Pattern Block Fraction Design

These open-ended assessments require students to use pattern blocks to fill the shape so that it has a line of symmetry.  Students must draw a dotted line to show the line of symmetry and they must write a fraction to represent the part of the whole for each color pattern block used in the design.

• Download the Pattern Block Fraction Design handouts.

Pumpkin Jumble Game

Students toss a die to get pattern blocks to add to create a jack-o-lantern face. The first person to complete his/her jack-o-lantern wins the game. This game develops the concept of probability of a single die as students also have opportunities for Lucky or Unlucky tosses that add a twist to the game.


Data Collection & Analysis: This simple game provides a great opportunity for data collection and analysis of the probability of a one-die toss.


Have students use the recording sheet to capture  each die toss. After completing the game, students may add their results to a class data table to see if each number does indeed have an equal chance of winning.

• Download the Pumpkin Jumble game mat.
• Download the recording sheet to capture data for class analysis.

Problem Solving: Pattern Blocks

Pattern blocks are a familiar manipulative in most elementary classrooms.  Students learn a lot of geometry from informally interacting with pattern blocks.  These problem-solving activities were specifically designed to target important mathematical concepts using these available manipulatives.

• In Pattern Block Symmetry students must create a pattern block design to satisy the given conditions involving line symmetry and the number of different pattern block pieces used.
• Pattern Block Design (Grade 3) requires students to create a design to meet specified criteria.
• Pattern Block Design (Grade 4) requires students to create a design to meet specified criteria.
• Hexagon Dragons challenges students to use an input-output table to record dragon growth, then analyze the pattern and write a rule for dragon growth.
• In Fir Tree, students must use an input-output table to record and analyze data, then write a rule for this growing pattern.
• Symmetric Snowflake challenges students to use pattern blocks to complete the snowflake design so that it has line symmetry.

Snowflake Symmetry

Symmetric Snowflake
 
Here's an activity for all those students enjoying snowy weather.  Symmetric Snowflake  challenges students to use pattern blocks to complete the other half of a snowflake, based on the pattern to the left of the given line of symmetry.  Afterwards, students are asked to create their own symmetric snowflake, using pattern blocks.   

• Download Symmetric Snowflake.

Snowflake Symmetry

Challenge students to predict and draw what a snowflake will look like when the given pattern is cut out. Then, have students actually cut out the snowflake pattern to check their prediction. Finally, students will identify and draw in lines of symmetry for the snowflake pattern. Train students to think about and visualize the symmetry inherent in this hexagonal structure. 

• Download Snowflake Symmetry.
• Enrichment:  Provide copies of  Snowflake Symmetry Student handout so that students can record their cut design and challenge their classmates to predict what the finished product will look like. 

• Bulletin Board:  display both the folded designs and the finished products in random order. Label each design with a number and each finished product with a letter. Challenge students to correctly match each pair.