Education Technology

Area Patterns

Subject Area
Math: Elementary Math: Geometry
Math: Elementary Math: Number Sense and Estimation
Level
K-5
Activity Time
60 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-15 Explorer™/TI-10
Other Materials
    This is Activity 8 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
    Uncovering Math with Manipulatives, the TI-10, and the TI-15 Explorer

    The following materials are required for this activity:
  • Pattern Blocks
  • Area patterns
  • Pencils
Resource Types
Lessons

Area Patterns

Activity Overview

Students investigate patterns in ordered pairs generated by constructing a sequence of similar shapes. They will then use the patterns and the calculator to predict the number of blocks it will take to build a specific shape in the sequence.

Before the Activity

  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print student activity sheets pages 38 - 39 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.

    Follow the activity procedures:

  • Use triangle Pattern Blocks to make a pattern of a larger triangle
  • Predict how many triangles it will take to make the next larger triangle of the same shape
  • Record the number of blocks used and find the area of the triangle
  • Use the calculator to predict the area of the 95th triangle
  • Choose a different Pattern Block and repeat the activity
  • After the Activity

  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary
  • icon-download-lm
    Download Files
    Subject Area
    Math: Elementary Math: Geometry
    Math: Elementary Math: Number Sense and Estimation
    Level
    K-5
    Activity Time
    60 Minutes
    TI Calculator
    TI-15 Explorer™/TI-10
    Other Materials
      This is Activity 8 from the EXPLORATIONS Book:
      Uncovering Math with Manipulatives, the TI-10, and the TI-15 Explorer

      The following materials are required for this activity:
    • Pattern Blocks
    • Area patterns
    • Pencils
    Resource Types
    Lessons
    iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
    Vernier EasyData,Vernier EasyLink and Vernier EasyTemp are registered trademarks of Vernier Science Education.