Number patterns - lesson plan

Objectives

To use previous knowledge to work out missing numbers in number patterns.

National Curriculum

Ma2, 2b.

Resources

• Online activities:
  • Bitesize number patterns section: play, quiz
• Worksheets:
  • Number patterns worksheet (PDF 51KB)
• Other resources:
  • Pictures of pop stars or children's characters to show on whiteboard
  • Percussion instruments
  • Individual whiteboards or jotters
  • Series of number patterns with missing numbers
  • Series of shape patterns with missing shapes

You will need Adobe Acrobat reader to access the PDF files. BBC Webwise has a complete guide to downloading and installing Adobe Acrobat reader.

Teaching activities

Introduction

1. Discuss the meaning of the word 'pattern' in maths.
2. Explain that the word 'sequence' means the same thing as 'pattern'.
3. Demonstrate 'sequence' on the board using different sequences of pictures (pop stars, children's characters or other picture sets).
4. Make a sequence of sounds using percussion instruments and ask the children to predict the next sound.
5. How do the children know what the next sound will be? Explain that they use the information they already have to find the pattern. This applies to number patterns too.
6. Write a simple number pattern on the board. What is the pattern?
7. After the children have identified a pattern, ask them to check that it works for every number in the sequence.

Activity

Lower ability - Play the Bitesize number patterns activity. Demonstrate how to drag and drop the numbers into the safe combination.

Middle ability - Give the children number patterns with missing numbers (these can include odd and even numbers, multiplication facts and simple divisions). Ask them to use individual whiteboards or jotters to work out the missing numbers and check them. When they have completed these, ask the children to work with a maths partner to set each other their own maths patterns. Can they work out their partner's rule?

Higher ability - Give the children number patterns with missing numbers (these can include factors, prime numbers and square numbers). Ask them to use individual whiteboards or jotters to work out the missing numbers and check them. When they have completed these, ask the children to work with a maths partner to set each other their own maths patterns. Can they work out their partner's rule?

Plenary

1. Play the Bitesize number patterns quiz as a class.
2. Divide the class into teams and elect one leader per team.
3. Give the teams one minute per question to confer and write down their answer.
4. Ask the team leader to hold up their answer for the class to see.
5. The group with most correct answers wins.

Extension

Work out missing numbers in patterns that use fractions, decimals and percentages.

Homework

Complete the Number patterns worksheet (PDF 51KB).