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

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 ...

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?

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.

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

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?

Video

MathXplosion, Ep 31: Heavy vs big

How would you measure and compare the weight of something? Learn why big things aren't necessarily heavy. All you need is something heavy and a lot of something light and you’ll be able to prove that weight is not the same as size.

Video

MathXplosion, Ep 45: How to make an origami frog

Origami folds have associated geometric patterns or "paper trails" in which we are able to visualise different types of triangles, angles, polygons, lines and symmetry. Use these patterns to turn a two-dimensional flat sheet of paper into a three-dimensional hopping frog!

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

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 ...

Text

Making maths: Indian window screen

This resource is a web page containing an activity about constructing symmetrical decorative patterns. The resource provides initial step-by-step instructions for using standard grid paper to recreate an intricate pattern found in a traditional Indian window screen. This resource is one of a series of activities from the ...

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

Sushi monster - iTunes app

The Sushi monster needs to be fed the correct sum or product. Choose to play the addition or multipliaction game. In the addition game select the two numbers that make the target sum. In the multipication game select two numbers to make the target product. This game has several levels. Free when reviewed on 12/5/2015.

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 ...

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

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. ...

Interactive

Cassowary ecology quiz

Explore facts about the life of cassowaries: physical characteristics; diet; habitat; life cycles; and locations. Interact with graphs to see how much people can help cassowaries. Work through ecology notes and resources. Answer questions as you go; express your answers as fractions. This learning object is one in a series ...

Video

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

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 ...

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.