Dinosaur maths quest: patterns

Quick answer

Patterns are repeating or growing sequences that help us predict what comes next. In a Dinosaur maths quest, you might see patterns in fossil shapes, footprint sizes, or how dinosaurs' footprints get bigger over time. You can find patterns everywhere – in nature, in games, and in your daily life!

Learning outcome

By the end of this page, you will be able to spot, continue, and create simple repeating and growing patterns using objects, numbers, or pictures.

• You can find the next shape or number in a pattern
• You can describe what makes a pattern repeat or grow
• You can make your own pattern using shapes, colours, or numbers
• You can see patterns in the world around you, like dinosaur footprints or the days of the week

Why this matters

Patterns help us understand the world and make predictions. In a Dinosaur maths quest, spotting patterns helps you solve puzzles and find clues. Patterns are everywhere – from the way flowers bloom, to the rhythm of music, to the days of the week. Learning to see and create patterns helps your brain think logically and solve problems. It's like being a detective, but with numbers and shapes!

How it works

Patterns are sequences that repeat or grow. There are two main types:

1. Repeating patterns – These repeat the same group over and over. For example, red-blue-red-blue-red-blue.
2. Growing patterns – These get bigger or change in a predictable way. For example, 1 block, 2 blocks, 3 blocks, 4 blocks.

To find a pattern, look for what stays the same and what changes. Then, you can predict what comes next!

Examples you can see

Here are some examples of patterns you can see in a Dinosaur maths quest:

Repeating patterns with dinosaur footprints

Imagine you find a trail of dinosaur footprints. The pattern might be:

• Left foot, Right foot, Left foot, Right foot, Left foot, Right foot

This is a repeating pattern because the same pair (left-right) keeps repeating.

Growing patterns with fossil sizes

Look at these dinosaur fossils. The pattern might be:

• Small fossil, Medium fossil, Large fossil, Extra large fossil

This is a growing pattern because each fossil is bigger than the last.

Colour patterns with rocks

You find rocks in a cave and notice they come in this order:

• Red, Blue, Green, Red, Blue, Green, Red, Blue, Green

This is a repeating pattern with 3 colours. You can see it repeats every 3 rocks.

Number patterns

Count how many dinosaur bones are in each row:

• Row 1: 1 bone
• Row 2: 2 bones
• Row 3: 3 bones
• Row 4: 4 bones

This is a growing pattern because each row has one more bone than the last.

Try it as a mini adventure

Adventure: Dinosaur Footprint Hunt

You are a young dinosaur detective on a mission to find the pattern in the dinosaur footprints. You discover a trail of footprints and want to know what comes next.

1. First time: You see the pattern Left, Right, Left, Right
2. Second time: You see the pattern Small, Medium, Large, Small, Medium, Large
3. Third time: You see the pattern Red, Blue, Green, Red, Blue, Green
4. Fourth time: You see the pattern 1 bone, 2 bones, 3 bones, 4 bones
5. Fifth time: You see the pattern 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet

Challenge: What comes next in each pattern?

• First time: Left foot
• Second time: Small fossil
• Third time: Red rock
• Fourth time: 5 bones
• Fifth time: 5 feet

Common mistakes

• Mistake: Thinking that a pattern is always the same shape or colour.
  Why it happens: Children often see the first few items and guess what comes next without looking for the rule.
  Fix: Look at the whole pattern and ask, “What stays the same and what changes?”
• Mistake: Counting the wrong number in a growing pattern.
  Why it happens: Children might add one too many or one too few.
  Fix: Count each step carefully and check your pattern rule.
• Mistake: Mixing up repeating and growing patterns.
  Why it happens: The two types can look similar at first.
  Fix: Ask, “Does the pattern repeat the same group, or does it get bigger?”

Parent and carer guide

Helping your child with patterns is easy and fun! Here are 5 ways to support learning:

1. Look for patterns in everyday life: Ask your child to spot patterns in the days of the week, the seasons, or in their breakfast plate.
2. Use objects to make patterns: Use toys, blocks, or food to create repeating or growing patterns together.
3. Play pattern games: Try games like “What comes next?” or “Can you make a pattern like this?”
4. Be patient: It’s normal for children to make mistakes. Encourage them to think through the pattern slowly.
5. Ask questions: Ask, “What do you notice?” or “How do you know what comes next?” to help them explain their thinking.

Remember: patterns are all around us, and your child is already using them without realising it!

Practice questions

1. What comes next in this pattern: Circle, Square, Triangle, Circle, Square, ?
2. Continue this growing pattern: 2, 4, 6, 8, ?
3. What is the next shape in this repeating pattern: Red, Yellow, Blue, Red, Yellow, ?
4. What comes next in this pattern: 1, 3, 5, 7, ?
5. Make your own repeating pattern using 3 shapes.

Answers:

1. Triangle
2. 10
3. Blue
4. 9
5. Answers will vary – e.g., Star, Moon, Sun, Star, Moon, Sun

FAQ

What is a pattern in maths?

A pattern is a sequence of shapes, numbers, or objects that follow a rule. It can repeat or grow.

How do I know if a pattern is repeating or growing?

If the same group of shapes or numbers repeats over and over, it’s a repeating pattern. If the pattern gets bigger or changes in a predictable way, it’s a growing pattern.

Can patterns be in nature?

Yes! Patterns can be found in leaves, flowers, shells, and even dinosaur footprints. Nature is full of patterns!

Why do we learn about patterns?

Patterns help us understand the world, solve problems, and predict what comes next. They are the building blocks of maths and science!

Can I make patterns with numbers?

Yes! You can make number patterns like 2, 4, 6, 8 or 1, 3, 5, 7. These are called growing patterns because each number gets bigger by the same amount.