A quick attempt to solve the sequence is thwarted as Keisha realizes that they ve been gone a long time. Back at home, the same picture and light sequence appears on Keisha s computer. Astounded that the alien found her computer address, the two friends ponder the sequence, and use addition to try a pattern. It does not work. Identify, describe, and extend geometric and numeric patterns into growing and shrinking patterns.
Students use their number sense to identify and extend a pattern.
Students will have an intuitive introduction to a pattern that is referred to in mathematics as triangular numbers. Acrobat A Printable version of this activity sheet is available in PDF format. This requires a free plug-in, Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can find out if you need it by clicking on the PDF link. Consider supplying manipulatives such as tiles, disks, or paper pieces that can be moved to create a pattern.