Mathematics / Year 3 / Number and Algebra / Patterns and algebra

Curriculum content descriptions

Describe, continue, and create number patterns resulting from performing addition or subtraction (ACMNA060)

Elaborations
  • identifying and writing the rules for number patterns
  • describing a rule for a number pattern, then creating the pattern
General capabilities
  • Literacy Literacy
  • Numeracy Numeracy
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and creative thinking
ScOT terms

Number patterns

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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 ...

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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?

Online

reSolve: Algebra: Number Sequences

This sequence of lessons aims to build students' algebraic thinking through explorations of additive number patterns. Students are challenged to solve problems to generate patterns, explore strategies for addition and subtraction and apply their skills to constructing their own new patterns.The lessons are outlined in detail ...

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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 ...

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Pass The Count - Calculate

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

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.

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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

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. ...

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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 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.

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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?

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, ...

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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 ...

Downloadable

First steps in mathematics: Number – Book 2

The content of this book is organised into topics including understanding operations, calculating, and reasoning about number patterns.

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Transformations Year 3 & 4 - Calculate

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

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Pattern & Algebra Year 3 - 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. At this stage, ...

Online

Follow and create algorithms: Year 3 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 3 is for the topic of Follow and create algorithms. Students create and follow algorithms involving a short sequence of steps to generate number patterns. They use digital tools such as spreadsheets and calculators to explore algorithms with larger sets of numbers. Students identify any patterns ...

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Number Patterns - Calculate

This resource introduces a number of activities focused around number patterns. Helping children to explore, continue and describe number patterns can lead to an early understanding of algebraic concepts.