Finding Patterns: Cracking the Code!

Math Grades 1st Grade 3:03 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to spot patterns in numbers and pictures to help you solve problems! Just like a detective, you'll use clues to figure out what comes next.

Video Resource

How to Find a Pattern when Solving Problems

Miacademy Learning Channel

Duration: 3:03
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Patterns are things that repeat.
  • Patterns can be found in pictures and numbers.
  • Finding the pattern helps you figure out what comes next.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify repeating patterns in visual sequences.
  • Students will be able to identify and extend simple number patterns (counting by 2s).
  • Students will be able to apply the concept of patterns to solve simple word problems.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Start by asking students what they know about patterns. Show them examples of patterns in the classroom (e.g., tile floor, clothing). Explain that patterns repeat and that we can find them everywhere.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Watch the Miacademy Learning Channel video: 'How to Find a Pattern when Solving Problems.' Encourage students to pay attention to the examples of patterns in pictures and numbers.
  • Discussion (5 mins)
    Discuss the video. Ask students about the different types of patterns they saw. Focus on the car/house pattern and the flower pattern. Reinforce the idea that patterns help us predict what comes next.
  • Pattern Practice (10 mins)
    Start with visual patterns. Draw simple patterns on the board using shapes or colors (e.g., circle, square, circle, square...). Ask students to identify what comes next. Then, move on to number patterns (e.g., 2, 4, 6...). Have students work together to complete the pattern.
  • Word Problem Solving (10 mins)
    Present a simple word problem involving a pattern, similar to the flower example in the video: 'A baker puts 3 cookies on a plate, then 6 cookies, then 9 cookies. If the pattern continues, how many cookies will he put on the next plate?' Guide students to identify the pattern (counting by 3s) and solve the problem.
  • Wrap Up (5 mins)
    Review what students learned about finding patterns. Emphasize that patterns are helpful for solving problems in math and in everyday life.

Interactive Exercises

  • Pattern Blocks
    Provide students with pattern blocks (squares, triangles, hexagons, etc.). Have them create their own patterns and share them with the class.
  • Counting Beads
    Use beads of different colors to create number patterns. For example: Red, Blue, Red, Blue, Red, ______.

Discussion Questions

  • What is a pattern?
  • Where have you seen patterns before?
  • How can finding a pattern help you solve a problem?

Skills Developed

  • Pattern recognition
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical thinking
  • Counting and addition

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is something that repeats over and over?

Correct Answer: A pattern

Question 2:

What comes next: apple, banana, apple, banana, _______?

Correct Answer: Apple

Question 3:

What number comes next: 2, 4, 6, _______?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 4:

If you see a pattern that goes up by 1 each time, what are you doing?

Correct Answer: Counting by 1s

Question 5:

A boy puts 1 block, then 3 blocks, then 5 blocks in a tower. How many blocks are next?

Correct Answer: 7

Question 6:

What kind of pattern uses numbers?

Correct Answer: Number Pattern

Question 7:

What comes next: Red, Blue, Green, Red, Blue, _______?

Correct Answer: Green

Question 8:

What number comes next: 10, 20, 30, _______?

Correct Answer: 40

Question 9:

A girl claps 2 times, then 4 times, then 6 times. How many claps are next?

Correct Answer: 8

Question 10:

Finding a pattern helps you guess _______ comes next.

Correct Answer: What

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A _________ is something that repeats.

Correct Answer: pattern

Question 2:

In the pattern square, circle, square, _________, the next shape is a circle.

Correct Answer: circle

Question 3:

The numbers 5, 10, 15, 20 are counting by _________.

Correct Answer: 5s

Question 4:

If the pattern is 1, 2, 3, then 4, 5, and 6 are _________.

Correct Answer: next

Question 5:

A number pattern is a pattern with _________.

Correct Answer: numbers

Question 6:

If a pattern is sun, moon, star, sun, moon, the next shape is _________.

Correct Answer: star

Question 7:

2, 4, ______, 8. What number is missing?

Correct Answer: 6

Question 8:

Seeing what is repeating is how you _________ a pattern.

Correct Answer: find

Question 9:

If the pattern goes up by 2 each time, you are adding _________.

Correct Answer: 2

Question 10:

Patterns can help you _________ problems.

Correct Answer: solve

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.5:Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2). CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.A.1:Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120. In this range, read and write numerals and represent a number of objects with a written numeral.

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