Arctic maths quest: patterns

Quick answer

Patterns are repeating or growing sequences that help us predict what comes next. In an Arctic maths quest, you might see patterns in ice maps, temperature readings, or survival supplies that help you survive the cold!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to spot and continue simple repeating and growing patterns using objects, numbers, and real-life examples.

• You can identify a pattern in a sequence of objects or numbers.
• You can continue a pattern by predicting what comes next.
• You can create your own simple pattern using shapes, colours, or numbers.
• You can explain how patterns help us in everyday life, like planning supplies for a journey.

Why this matters

Patterns help us understand the world around us. In the Arctic, patterns help explorers predict weather, plan supplies, and even find their way. In your daily life, you see patterns in your morning routine, the seasons, or even in the rhythm of your heartbeat. Spotting patterns helps you solve problems, make predictions, and understand how things work. Learning to see and create patterns is a key part of maths and helps you become a better thinker!

How it works

Patterns are made up of things that repeat or grow in a certain way. There are two main types:

1. Repeating patterns – These repeat the same sequence over and over. For example, red, blue, green, red, blue, green.
2. Growing patterns – These get bigger or smaller in a predictable way. For example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 2, 4, 6, 8, 10.

Patterns can be:

• Shapes
• Colours
• Numbers
• Sounds or movements

When you see a pattern, you can:

1. Look at the first few items to find the rule
2. Use the rule to predict what comes next
3. Check if your prediction is right

Examples you can see

Let’s imagine you are on an Arctic maths quest and you need to follow a pattern to find your way through the ice!

Example 1: Ice map pattern

Your ice map shows a pattern of ice floes:

What comes next? The pattern repeats: Big, Small, Medium, Big, Small, Medium. So Step 7 is Big.

Example 2: Temperature pattern

At your Arctic camp, the temperature drops each hour:

What will the temperature be at Hour 5? The pattern is going down by 2 each time. So Hour 5 will be 2°C.

Example 3: Survival supplies

You are packing for your Arctic journey. You have a pattern of supplies:

How many biscuits will you have on Day 5? The pattern is adding 3 each day. So Day 5 will have 15 biscuits.

Try it as a mini adventure

Let’s go on an Arctic maths quest together! You are lost in the Arctic and must follow a pattern to find your way back to the camp.

Step 1: You see a trail of ice blocks. The pattern is: Blue, Red, Green, Blue, Red, Green.

Step 2: You need to place the next block to continue the pattern. What colour is it?

Step 3: You find a temperature log. The pattern is: 15°C, 13°C, 11°C, 9°C, ?. What will the next temperature be?

Step 4: You need to count your food supplies. The pattern is: 1, 3, 5, 7, ?. How many will you have on the 5th day?

Step 5: You have to draw your own pattern using shapes: Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, ?. What comes next?

Step 6: You must complete a pattern in your ice map. The pattern is: Small, Medium, Large, Small, Medium, ?. What is the next one?

Step 7: You need to find the rule of a pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. What is the rule?

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking the pattern is just the first few items and not looking for the rule.
  Why it happens: It’s easy to get distracted by the first few items and not think about what’s happening.
  Fix: Look for a rule, like “adding 2” or “repeating three items”.
• Mistake: Guessing what comes next without checking the pattern.
  Why it happens: Children may jump to conclusions without thinking carefully.
  Fix: Say the pattern out loud and check if it continues.
• Mistake: Confusing growing patterns with repeating patterns.
  Why it happens: Both involve sequences, but one grows and one repeats.
  Fix: Ask, “Is it getting bigger or repeating the same thing?”

Parent and carer guide

As a parent or carer, you can help your child by:

• Looking for patterns in everyday life, like the tiles on the floor or the seasons.
• Playing pattern games, like “What comes next?”
• Encouraging your child to make their own patterns with blocks, toys, or drawings.
• Noticing when your child is struggling and helping them slow down and look for the rule.
• Reassuring them that it’s okay to make mistakes – that’s how we learn!

Try this at home: Look around your house for patterns. Ask your child, “Can you find a pattern in the wallpaper? What comes next in this pattern?”

Practice questions

1. What comes next in this pattern: Red, Blue, Green, Red, Blue, ?
   Answer: Green
2. Continue the pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, ?
   Answer: 10
3. What is the next shape in this pattern: Circle, Triangle, Square, Circle, Triangle, ?
   Answer: Square
4. What comes next in this pattern: 10, 8, 6, 4, ?
   Answer: 2
5. Make your own pattern using 3 different colours: Red, Blue, Green, Red, Blue, ?
   Answer: Green

FAQ

What is a pattern in maths?
A pattern is a sequence of things that repeat or grow in a predictable way. It can be shapes, numbers, or even sounds or actions.

How do I find a pattern?
Look at the first few items. Ask yourself, “What is changing?” or “What is staying the same?” Then, see if the same change happens again.

Why are patterns important?
Patterns help us make predictions, solve problems, and understand how things work. They are used in science, music, art, and everyday life.

Can patterns be in numbers?
Yes! Numbers can form patterns. For example, 2, 4, 6, 8 is a pattern where we add 2 each time.

Can I make my own pattern?
Absolutely! You can make patterns with shapes, colours, numbers, or even sounds. Try making a pattern with your toys or blocks.