Lesson 3: Building with Algebra

Starter (10 mins)

Matchstick Patterns

Create a simple growing pattern with matchsticks (or draw it). For example, a sequence of squares. Stage 1 has 4 sticks, Stage 2 has 7, Stage 3 has 10. Ask students to build or draw Stage 4 and predict how many sticks are needed for Stage 10.

Main Activity (25 mins)

Kōwhaiwhai Patterns

Introduce kōwhaiwhai as a real-world example of repeating and growing patterns. Use the "Kōwhaiwhai Patterns" handout. Students analyze simple kōwhaiwhai-inspired designs to determine the 'rule' for the pattern's growth.

Task: Students must write an algebraic expression for the number of elements in the nth stage of the pattern. For example, if a pattern starts with 2 scrolls and adds 3 more each time, the rule is 3n - 1.

View Handout

Plenary (15 mins)

Design Your Own Rule

In pairs, students create their own simple algebraic rule (e.g., 2n + 1). They then draw the first three stages of the geometric pattern that their rule describes. Pairs can swap patterns and try to guess the rule.

This activity prepares them for the final summative assessment where they will design a tukutuku panel based on algebraic rules.