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Pattern or Random?

Not every line of shapes follows a rule. Learn to tell steady patterns apart from random mixes with no repeat.

Class 3 to 5beginner15 min3 lessons
By the end you will be able to
  • Say whether a row has a repeating or growing rule
  • Give a reason when a row is random
  • Sort example cards into pattern and not a pattern

Finish first

Growing Patterns
Topic contents

Lesson 1 of 3

Steady or mixed up?

A pattern has a rule you can explain. Random means no rule you can trust; the order might change every time you look.

Circle-square-circle-square has a rule: two shapes alternate. Star-moon-cloud-fish has no small chunk that repeats cleanly.

Your job is to be a pattern detective. Ask what repeats or what grows before you call something a pattern.

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Lesson 2 of 3

Test with questions

Ask: what comes next? If many classmates agree with one answer, a rule might exist. If everyone guesses differently, it may be random.

Ask: what repeats? If nobody finds a repeat unit after three tries, the row might not be a pattern.

Growing patterns are still patterns. Random is not the same as growing; random has no steady rule at all.

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Lesson 3 of 3

Sort the cards

Make two piles: pattern and not a pattern. Put A-B-A-B in the pattern pile. Put jumbled stickers in the other pile.

Explain each choice to a partner. Saying the rule out loud proves you really checked.

Next you will find missing pieces inside patterns that do follow a rule.

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Practice

Work these out yourself

No answer key here on purpose: these are the questions worth thinking through before you move on. Open one and work it out.

0/3 attempted

Assessment

Check your understanding

Answer each question, then read the explanation. That is where the learning is.

0/4
  1. Question 1: Which row is most likely a pattern?
    Question 1 / 4

    Which row is most likely a pattern?

    Select an option first
  2. Question 2: A row is random when you cannot find what?
    Question 2 / 4

    A row is random when you cannot find what?

    Select an option first
  3. Question 3: Growing patterns like 2, 4, 6 are still patterns because they have what?
    Question 3 / 4

    Growing patterns like 2, 4, 6 are still patterns because they have what?

    Select an option first
  4. Question 4: If classmates all guess different next shapes, the row is probably what?
    Question 4 / 4

    If classmates all guess different next shapes, the row is probably what?

    Select an option first
4 of 4 questions left.

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