Fourth graders learn to crack the rule behind a sequence of numbers, use it to find what comes next, and notice patterns in the terms, then check what they know.
Students will be able to…
Look at 3, 6, 9, 12, and your brain guesses 15. What rule did you use, and how do you find the rule behind any number pattern?
Project this and answer each question about finding and extending number patterns — read the explanation after each one.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
Look at 3, 6, 9, 12. Your brain already guessed 15. What rule did you use without even thinking about it?
Students answer questions about number patterns.
Students state the rule of a pattern.
Students make their own pattern.
Students reflect on patterns.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
Generate a number pattern that follows a given rule and identify features of the pattern.
Identify arithmetic patterns and explain them using properties of operations.
Generate two numerical patterns using given rules and identify relationships between them.
Look for and make use of structure.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students pick a start number and a rule, write the first six terms, and challenge a partner to find the rule, so pattern-thinking becomes a game. A printable number-patterns worksheet is in the Mathematics library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.