Explore (25 min)

Student materials for printing (optional): click here to view

   ...or use the online applet below.

Notice the “What pattern is this?” grid below. What numbers might the pattern show? You might notice that every third square is shaded in, so they might represent multiples of 3. 

But, if there were numbers in the grid, we are likely to see different patterns. For example, if we count by 2's are write them in the grid, we might notice new patterns.

 Checkerboards & More 

This activity is about exploration and discovery! Don't worry if you struggle...it means your brain is growing!

Step 1:  Make some checkerboard patterns of your own;

• Decide on the dimensions of your rectangle. 
• Decide which multiples to fill in the grid with. Will you fill it in with the 2's? 3's? 4's? etc.

Step 2:  Then make some discoveries:

• Explore what numbers in your grid make vertical or diagonal lines on your grid.
• Explore what sized grids and numbers make vertical and diagonal lines on your checkerboards.
• Explore what grid sizes and numbers make checkerboard patterns.
• What other patterns can you create?

Here is graph paper to help you make your discoveries: