Mathematics / Year 4 / Number

Curriculum content descriptions

follow and create algorithms involving a sequence of steps and decisions that use addition or multiplication to generate sets of numbers; identify and describe any emerging patterns (AC9M4N09)

Elaborations
  • creating an algorithm that will generate number sequences involving multiples of one to \(10\) using digital tools to assist, identifying and explaining emerging patterns, recognising that number sequences can be extended indefinitely
  • creating a basic flow chart that represents an algorithm that will generate a sequence of numbers using multiplication by a constant term; using a calculator to model and follow the algorithm, and record the sequence of numbers generated; checking results and describing any emerging patterns
  • using a multiplication formula in a spreadsheet and the “fill down” function to generate a sequence of numbers; for example, entering the number one in the cell A1, using “fill down” to cell A100, entering the formula “ = A1*4 “ in the cell B1 and using the “fill down” function to generate a sequence of 100 numbers; describing emerging patterns
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Multiplication,  Algorithms,  Computational thinking,  Sequences (Number patterns),  Addition

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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 ...

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 ...

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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?

Interactive

Circus towers: square stacks

Work out how many acrobats are needed to form square-shaped human towers. Start by building a square tower with four acrobats: two acrobats in the base layer and two acrobats standing on their shoulders. Examine a table and graph of the total number of acrobats in the towers. Predict the number of acrobats needed to build ...

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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: Algebra: Triangle Inequality

This sequence of two lessons explores the triangle inequality theorem. Students are challenged to construct triangles with a given number of matchsticks, explore and record what combinations of sticks can create valid triangles and represent their findings using mathematical expressions. Each lesson is outlined in detail ...

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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: Algebra: Chess - The King

This lesson aims to build students' algebraic reasoning and understanding of number as they explore computation on the number chart. Students explore the moves of a king chess piece and how the value of the numbers change as he moves. This builds into an algebraic exploration of equivalent values that can be found on the ...

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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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reSolve: Algebra: Odds and Evens

This sequence of two lessons focuses on developing students' understanding of the properties of odd and even numbers. Students explore the results of adding and subtracting odd and even numbers and use these results to make generalisations. They then apply this generalisation to solve problems and to explore patterns. The ...

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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: Number: Counting your odds and evens

In this sequence of three tasks, students navigate, design, and analyse number mazes to investigate why some paths always give an odd total and others don’t, building towards a general explanation of how odd and even numbers behave when added. Key learning goals, assessment advice, pedagogical tools and illustrations of ...

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Fractions in the real world

How many quarters make up a whole? Watch this video to find out how else you can represent 2/4 and how to add up quarters to make a whole.

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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).

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For the Juniors: Drawing a floor plan

How do we know what a house will look like before it is built? Discover how house plans work by looking at the design of a house that Hugo's family is going to build. See how a floor plan shows the room layout. See drawings of what the house will look like from different views.

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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.