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

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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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 ...

Online

Follow and create algorithms: Year 4 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 4 is for the topic of Follow and create algorithms. Students create and follow algorithms involving a sequence of steps and decisions to generate number patterns involving addition or multiplication. They analyse the patterns generated and describe and explain them.

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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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Mixed Up Maths, Ep 1: Monumental measurement mess ups

Did you know that in Australia we use a metric system for measurement? See if you know the units of measurement for length, mass and volume. Find out what system the United States uses. You guessed it - they don't use the metric system! See how a mix up of these units can cause all kinds of mess ups.

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MathXplosion, Ep 6: Zero the hero

What is the role of zero as a placeholder for large numbers such as 1 million, 1 billion and 1 trillion? Find out about the notion of place value and powers of ten through the act of bead counting.

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Odd and even numbers

Do you know what makes an odd number and what makes an even number? There are a few ways to test whether a number is odd or even. Find out about one method in this video, then see if you can discover at least one other method.

Online

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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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).

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Numbers Count: What are factors?

What are factors? Watch as the jelly babies in this clip show you! What are the factors of 12? How many factors does the number 11 have? Try explaining to a friend what a prime number is.

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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.

Online

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 ...

Online

Primary mathematics: games, simulations and modelling

These seven learning activities, which focus on 'games, simulations and modelling' using a variety of tools (software) and devices (hardware), illustrate the ways in which content, pedagogy and technology can be successfully and effectively integrated in order to promote learning. In the activities, teachers use games, ...

Online

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, ...

Online

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 ...

Online

Counting games - years 1 and 2

This is a teacher resource that includes a set of student activities including counting games, focusing on numbers to 100, accompanied by copy masters and a detailed teacher guide for each activity. The games include the Korean number counting game sam yew gew - referred to as 'sam-yuk-gu' in the Australian Curriculum. ...

Online

TIMES Module 3: Number and Algebra: multiplication and division - teacher guide

This is a 23-page guide for teachers. This module contains a description of suitable models for multiplication, a discussion of the type of problem phrased in words that requires multiplication for its solution, and mental and written strategies for multiplication. The use of the commutative, associative and distributive ...

Online

TIMES Module 1: Number and Algebra: counting and place value - teacher guide

This is a 16-page guide for teachers. It is a module introducing the concept of place value.

Online

MoneySmart: The house of needs and wants

This is a unit of work integrating aspects of the mathematics, English and science curriculums around planning a school breakfast. The unit was written for year 3 and is intended to take about 12 hours. It consists of 11 student activities supported by teacher notes on curriculum, pedagogy and assessment. Student activities ...

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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?