Mathematics / Year 4 / Number and Algebra / Patterns and algebra

Curriculum content descriptions

Explore and describe number patterns resulting from performing multiplication (ACMNA081)

Elaborations
  • identifying examples of number patterns in everyday life
General capabilities
  • Numeracy Numeracy
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and creative thinking
ScOT terms

Multiplication,  Number patterns

Video

What is a fractal?

Do you know what a fractal is? Basically, fractals are never-ending patterns created by repeated mathematical equations. In this clip, Yuliya, a student at MIT (in the USA) describes the properties of fractals and shows you where they can be found in technology and nature. Have a good look at the world around you and see ...

Video

Fun with fractals

Do you know how to recognise a fractal? Watch this video to find out! What are the examples given of fractals found in nature? Can you think of any others? Why not have a go at doing your own drawing of the Sierpinski Triangle?

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Developing flowcharts: Halving strategy

In this lesson, students will create a flowchart outlining the sequence of steps required when using the halving strategy for division. The process of creating the flowchart consolidates the sequential steps required when solving problems and can be found in other learning areas, such as Design and Technologies and Digital ...

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Pass The Count - Calculate

This game allows students to practice their skip counting skills in small groups.

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Pattern & Algebra Year 4 - Calculate

The focus of this activity is to discover if students can use numbers to describe a pattern created with objects. We want to encourage students to record what they know about the pattern in a table and then use this information to help predict future terms and identify the rule or function for the pattern. By recording ...

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reSolve: Authentic Problems: Expanded Square

This sequence of four lessons explores concepts around informal area and symmetry. Students design an 'expanded square' where approximately half the area of the original square is flipped to the outside. The lessons provide opportunities for students to devise and use methods to informally measure area, record their mathematical ...

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reSolve: Multiplication: Trays of Arrays

This sequence of 7 tasks uses the array to explore the distributive and associative properties of multiplication. Students use different strategies to calculate the number of items in arrays, and use mathematical reasoning to explain which strategies are the most useful. Students learn to use the distributive property to ...

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reSolve: Multiplication - Cartesian Product

This sequence of two lessons introduces the idea of multiplication as a Cartesian product, using the language of 'for each'. Students learn to use a tree diagram to find the number of possible combinations that can be made in an animal mix and match book. They learn how a simpler problem can be used to help solve a larger, ...

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reSolve: Multiplication - The Tiler

This task explores arrays through the context of a tiling a courtyard. Students are given the total cost of tiling a courtyard and use this to calculate the price for individual tiles. They then explore the cost of different tiling designs to determine if one is cheaper than another. Each lesson is outlined in detail including ...

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reSolve: Authentic Problems: 10000 Centicubes

This sequence of four lessons integrates content in number and measurement to deepen students' understanding and confidence working with larger numbers. Students work flexibly with numbers up to 10 000 as they determine suitable dimensions for a container that can hold 10 000 centicubes. They are challenged to plan, construct ...

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BTN: What is an abacus?

An abacus is a tool that helps people solve maths problems. Why might some people still use, and encourage the use of, an abacus when there are more contemporary tools like calculators?

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MathXplosion, Ep 42: Maths in nature

Maths can be found in living things and natural structures. Explore mathematical patterns in nature, such as the tessellating hexagonal units of a honeycomb, the bilateral symmetry of a leaf, the radial symmetry of a snowflake and spiderweb, and the number of right or left spirals on a pinecone or pineapple (Fibonacci numbers).

Interactive

Waste and materials – sustainability action process (Years 3–6)

This resource guides students through an extended school-based or local investigation focussed on waste and materials using the five-step sustainability action process. The resource supports the investigation of a real-world issue or problem. Students develop and implement a chosen sustainability action and then evaluate ...

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MathXplosion, Ep 2: Double that number

Explore an age-old multiplication method that repeatedly doubles numbers to get a product. Learn how this ancient method of multiplication is similar to that used by modern computers.

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MathXplosion, Ep 31: Heavy vs big

How would you measure and compare the weight of something? Learn why big things aren't necessarily heavy. All you need is something heavy and a lot of something light and you’ll be able to prove that weight is not the same as size.

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MathXplosion, Ep 45: How to make an origami frog

Origami folds have associated geometric patterns or "paper trails" in which we are able to visualise different types of triangles, angles, polygons, lines and symmetry. Use these patterns to turn a two-dimensional flat sheet of paper into a three-dimensional hopping frog!

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MathXplosion, Ep 4: Tessellation tricks

Learn how two shapes from a repeating tile cause a pattern to undergo a metamorphosis. Create the illusion of one animal slowly transforming into another, line by line. Is it a bird? Is it a fish?

Interactive

Kitchen gardens – sustainability action process (Years 3–6)

This resource guides students through an extended school-based or local investigation focussed on kitchen gardens using the five-step sustainability action process. The resource supports the investigation of a real-world issue or problem. Students develop and implement a chosen sustainability action and then evaluate and ...

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Transformations Year 3 & 4 - Calculate

This lesson helps students explore different shape transformations and describe symmetry in objects and images.

Interactive

Goat Crashers (Mental calculations with unconditional probability) - ABC Education

Using your knowledge of different operations, join the Pig Posse to help kick them out before they eat everything. Or join the goats and move on in! Mathematical ideas and strategies this game supports: addition and subtraction with 1–30; multiples of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10; dividing by 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10.