Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Identify and describe a simple number pattern.
• Copy and extend growing number patterns.
• Describe the rule for a pattern.
• Create your own number patterns.
• Solve real-life problems using patterns.

Lesson summary

Overview This week, we dive into the exciting world of patterns! Patterns are all around us and form the building blocks of mathematics. A pattern is a sequence of numbers, shapes, or objects that repeat or change in a predictable way, following a specific rule. Understanding patterns helps us to make predictions, solve problems, and see order in the world. In South Africa, patterns are a vibrant part of our culture. We see them in the beautiful geometric designs of Ndebele houses, the intricate beadwork of the Zulu and Xhosa people, and the repeating rhythms in Gqom and Amapiano music.

Lesson notes

What is a Number Pattern? A number pattern is a list of numbers that follow a certain sequence or rule. Each number in the pattern is called a term. The 'Rule' of a Pattern The most important part of a pattern is its rule. The rule tells you exactly what you need to do to get from one term to the next. Finding the rule is like being a detective and finding the secret clue! To find the rule, we look at two terms that are next to each other and ask: Are the numbers getting bigger (increasing) or smaller (decreasing)? If they are getting bigger, what do I need to add to get to the next number? If they are getting smaller, what do I need to subtract to get to the next number? ---