Patterning & Algebra
Grade 1: Patterning & Algebra
Creating and extending repeating patterns involving one attribute; introducing the concept of equality using only concrete materials.
Nature Journaler: Aspen Orr
Nature Journaling: I Notice..., I Wonder...?, It Reminds me of..
Nature Journaling is an incredible tool for students to look for patterns in nature. This can be patterns in plants, fur, or even behavioural patterns. Their nature journal allows them to write/draw their observations helping to cement the concepts being taught.
At this age all three prompts "I notice..., I wonder...?, and It reminds me of..." become very intuitive. However, the last statement becomes very important for making the connections. Encourage students to begin writing using single words or simple sentences. Please note that spelling is not the focus in a nature journal. At this age you may start to see art fears - ensure you are re-iterating it is not about a pretty picture. It is about their observations. Please see the link below for tips on giving feedback. Using a combination of words, pictures and numbers allows the students multiple tools to document their observations. With permission Bethan Burton has allowed us to link to her website as she has written a blog post for Teaching nature journaling at all ages.
Here are some more ideas to get you started.
Engage the fives senses (whenever possible)
Make leaf prints ( paint the leaf and press the print into the journal)
Make leaf rubbings using paper and the side of a crayon
Trace the items they are looking at
Add leaves into the journal using tape
Count the birds/squirrels/insects etc.
Measure as much of the phenomena as the students can using non standard and standard units of measurement.
Here is a downloadable lesson from John (Jack) Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren book: How to Teach Nature Journaling. All resources shared with permission. "I Notice..., I Wonder...?, It Reminds me of..."
GIVING FEEDBACK here is a fantastic resource from Jack and Emilie
NOTE: You are encouraged to spend time in the outdoors Nature Journaling. However, you can also bring nature inside, look out your wonder window, have a refrigerator Safari or even observe a house plant or pet.
Math Trail
In this activity you will create your very own math trail focusing on patterning, shapes and addition. Your trail can be completed anywhere you would like (in your room, home, a yard, a park, a forest, etc.). Your trail must include 3 stops where you will take some time to explore and engage with the math problems as well as have some fun!
NOTE: This can be used with the Nature Journaling activity at the top of the page.
Stop #1
How many square shapes can you see? How many circles?
Do you see any ABAB patterns? Describe them (square, circle, square, circle)
Stop #2
Do you see any AAB patterns? Describe them (Red, red, blue, red, red, blue)
Can you find at least three different shapes at this stop? What shapes do you see?
Stop #3
How many different patterns can you see at this stop? What type of patterns are they?
Can you create your own pattern at this stop? Your pattern can be made with movements, objects, sounds, numbers or letters
How many different patterns can you create?
Nature Journaling: Collection or Field Guide
In the activity Collection or Field Guide from John (Jack) Muir Laws and Emilie Lygren's book: How to Teach Nature Journaling. "Students make a field guide or “collection” of things within a focused category, such as leaf types, rocks in a stream, things that are red, or tracks."
All resources shared with permission.
Nature Journaling: Phenology Wheel
A phenology wheel is a circular way of journaling, that is reflective of the earth and place you live. These are amazing ways to document the following items
Seasons
Months
Specific month
Moon Phases
Sunrise & sunset times
Max & Min Temperatures
The weather
Precipitation amounts
The possibilities are endless and many combinations can be created
As you work through the process make note of any patterns you are seeing for example.
What are you noticing about the times of the sunrise and sunset
Do you see any patterns in the temperatures
Can you see the different moon phases when you look outside
The I notices and I wonders are endless
Patterns with Pinecones
Find a variety of natural objects outside on the ground. Create different patterns using two different objects by alternating them. Examples of objects to use: sticks, pinecones, stones, leaves, etc. Can you extend the pattern?
Find a pattern outside and re-create it using natural items or draw it
How was that pattern created? Was it created naturally or created by a human?
NOTE: This can be used with the Nature Journaling activity at the top of the page.