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

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 ...

Interactive

Wishball: hundreds

Test your understanding of place value with three-digit numbers. Start with a three-digit whole number such as 507. A spinner provides a randomly generated digit. Choose its place value and add it to (or subtract it from) your starting number. Work towards a given target number, say 539, using other digits. You can choose ...

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

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 ...

Interactive

The difference bar: go figure

This tutorial is suitable for use with a screen reader. It explains how to split up numbers in your head when finding the difference between two numbers such as 26 and 73. Work through sample questions and instructions explaining how to use linear partitioning techniques. Find the difference between pairs of numbers. Split ...

Interactive

The difference bar: generate easy subtractions

Learn how to split up numbers in your head. Use a linear partitioning tool to help find the difference between pairs of two-digit numbers such as 25 and 34. In these examples, the difference is always less than ten. Split the numbers into parts that are easy to work with, work out each part and then solve the original calculation.

Interactive

The array

Use an array-building tool to help solve multiplications. Explore strategies to break up multiplications. Create and solve easy multiplications such as 9x3. Examine relationships between rows, columns and areas in arrays.

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.

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.

Interactive

Sites2See – number for primary

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

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, ...

Video

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.

Video

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.

Interactive

Musical number patterns: musical times

Make some music by building up rhythms from four instruments. Make a counting rule that matches a pattern on a number line. Select the start number and then select a number to count by. For example, describe a sound pattern where a saxophone waits on the first note, and then plays on every eighth note. Add a second number ...

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 ...

Video

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.

Text

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 ...

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 ...

Interactive

How does your garden grow?

This Stage 2 resource grew from a conversation between young students questioning why they could still buy grapes if they were out of season. This wondering led to a discussion around when we grow certain fruit and vegetables. The original stimulus was extended to cover planting for the seasons and factors that influence ...

Online

Have fun with flowcharts

Create a flowchart to represent a sequence of (branching) steps and decisions needed to solve a mathematical problem.