Fostering the ability to create and analyze simple patterns and make predictions about them is a major learning goal in the primary grades. Using the interactive computer applet, students create and study different pattern units.

Fostering the ability to create and analyze simple patterns and make predictions about them is a major learning goal in the primary grades. Using the interactive computer applet, students create and study different pattern units. The interactive applet is designed so students will place unit patterns one at a time on the grid as they extend their patterns, or have the computer fill in the entire grid. This example encourages students to explore what new designs their pattern units generate when repeated on the grid. The "Making Grid Patterns" activity sheet encourages students to predict, explore, and analyze repeating patterns. Throughout the activity, students also explore the divisibility of ten by two. (author/sw)