Grade 4 - Operations & Algebraic Thinking

Generate and analyze patterns.

CCSS.Math.Content.4.OA.C.5
Generate a number or shape pattern that follows a given rule. Identify apparent features of the pattern that were not explicit in the rule itself. For example, given the rule "Add 3" and the starting number 1, generate terms in the resulting sequence and observe that the terms appear to alternate between odd and even numbers. Explain informally why the numbers will continue to alternate in this way.

Teacher Notes
Patterns are one of the most important ways to develop student's mathematical thinking process. When they begin seeing patterns, sequences, and order in equations, they will have a stronger understanding on how to answer mathematical problems.
Students need  practice with patterns involving numbers or symbols which either repeat or grow.  Students need multiple opportunities creating and extending number and shape patterns. Numerical patterns allow students to reinforce facts and develop fluency with operations.
Patterns and rules are related. A pattern is a sequence that repeats the same process over and over. A rule dictates what that process will look like. Students investigate different patterns to find rules, identify features in the patterns, and justify the reason for those features.

Student Knowledge Goals
I know a pattern follows a rule.
I know a pattern repeats.
I can make observations and generalizations about patterns.
I can identify the given rule of a pattern.
I can use tools to extend a pattern.
I can create or continue a number or shape pattern after being given a rule.

Vocabulary
features
pattern
rule
sequence

Teacher Lessons
Multiple Lessons 4.0A.C.5

Student Video Lessons
Sequence by Multiplying
Missing Terms of a Sequence
Finding a Patterns with Tables
Write a Rule for a Pattern
Study Jams - Number Patterns
Study Jams - Geometric Patterns

Online Problems, Games, and Assessments
Pictorial Patterns - Online Game
Input/Output Machine - Online Game
Guess My Rule - Printable game
Khan Academy - Questions and Video Lessons
Input/Output Tables
Function Tables
Geometric Growth Patterns
Increasing Growth Patterns
Numeric Patterns: Word Problems
Patterns: Addition & Multiplication
Mixed Patterns Review
Time Patterns

Worksheets
Printable Task
Patterns
Generate Number or Shape Patterns