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

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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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Pass The Count - Calculate

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

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?

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 ...

Interactive

Sites2See: Patterns and Algebra

Selected links to a range of interactive online resources for the study of patterns and algebra in Foundation to Year 6 Mathematics.

Downloadable

Act it out

Students revise and extend the recall of 10x. They describe and continue patterns created from multiplication, and solve multiplication and division problems.

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Work sample Year 4 Mathematics: Number: addition and subtraction

This work sample demonstrates evidence of student learning in relation to aspects of the achievement standards for Year 4 Mathematics. The primary purpose for the work sample is to demonstrate the standard, so the focus is on what is evident in the sample not how it was created. The sample is an authentic representation ...

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.

Video

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

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 ...

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 ...

Video

Multiplication: 2 digit by 2 digit numbers: video and teaching guide

This video explores multiplicative strategies, methods and models to solve a given worded problem. It uses a scenario of a student helping a sibling to explore and discuss methods for solving the problem: ‘How many months has a 25 year old been alive?’ It shows how prior knowledge is required to know what type of calculation ...

Downloadable

Algebra: Foundation to Year 9

This comprehensive resource describes the progression of algebra-related ideas and algebraic thinking. The resource demonstrates examples of relevant teaching strategies, investigations, activity plans and connected concepts in algebra including teaching and cultural implications.

Online

Patterns and number facts: Year 4 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 4 is for the topic of Patterns and number facts. Students recall and demonstrate mastery of multiplication facts to 10 x 10 with related division facts, and extend to working with larger numbers. They use number facts and flexible strategies with computation of number problems.

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Factors and Multiples - Calculate

These games and activities require children to identify factors and multiples to help children become more familiar with these terms. This understanding will support children’s ability to solve problems, including knowing how to add fractions with different denominators.

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Space Race Game (Introducing Algorithmic Thinking) - Calculate

Space Race is a simple board game that teachers can use to introduce the concept of algorithmic sequencing to students. The teaching points provided with the game assist teachers to introduce the use of an algorithm (a simple set of mathematical instructions) to describe the trajectory of an object across a grid plane from ...

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.

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Making maths: Rangoli designs

This resource is a web page containing an activity about symmetrical patterns that are used to decorate traditional Indian clothing and architecture. The patterns contain line and/or rotational symmetry. Students can examine the patterns and identify the type of symmetry present in each one. This resource is one of a series ...

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 ...

Interactive

MoneySmart: helping out

This is an activity about making choices to raise money for imaginary animals called gumbutangs. Their habitat is being eradicated and something must be done to save them. The user's first choice is between two websites, one a trusted one, the other a scam site. Then they are given choices about how to raise money for the ...