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July 23, 2015

Math Patterns in Nature

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There are so many math patterns in nature–which makes it the perfect place for kids to practice! 

Going outdoors is a great way to play with math and this nature pattern activity requires no prep on your part so it can be done anytime. It’s what I like to call a win win!

Teach Kids Math Patterns Using Nature!

Observing and identifying patterns is an important math and science skill and the foundation for many more complex concepts. To encourage pattern recognition and making in your kids all you need to do is go one a nature walk.

Use natural materials to teach kids math patterns!

Math Patterns in Nature

  • found nature materials

The supplies for this math pattern activity require no prep on  your part. Really. Just head outdoors and look around. Let kids gather some of the treasures they find and use them to play with.

Work on math patterns in nature!

Once they have a pile of items have them sort the items into what ever groups they choose. Then show them how to create their own patterns. You can start with a simple ABAB pattern and explore from there.

Depending on the age of the kids you can introduce more complex patterns and try to stump each other with what comes next or just let them play with simple ones.

Math patterns in nature activity for kids!

Continue to extend the learning by pointing out patterns you see while you are out. The leaves on the trees or the way cars are parked in the parking lot can all be used as teachable moments for pattern exploration.

Camp Mathematics

There’s more math fun coming your way this summer–6 weeks worth to be exact!

This is week four of Camp Mathematics and both Erica and I are sharing fun ideas for math art and patterns. She has a Spirolaterals activity your kids will love so go see how to play!

Have you missed a week of Camp Mathematics? Catch up now!

Week 1: DIY Abacus for Kids and Counting Down Math Game

Week 2: Shake and Add Math Game and Magic Squares Game

Week 3: Grape Shapes STEM Activity and T Puzzle

Week 4: Math Patterns in Nature and Spirolaterals

Week 5: Sandwich Fractions and a Printable Fraction Game

Week 6: Math Card Games and Cooperative Dice Games

Stay tuned each week for more math ideas you can do with your kids this summer!

About Megan Sheakoski

Megan is the creator of Coffee Cups and Crayons, a blog full of simple fun and learning. She believes that kids’ activities don’t have to be complicated to be fun and that learning is better with play.

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Comments

  1. Ashley says

    October 1, 2017 at 8:53 am

    Love the idea, so simple and so powerful, also love the name coffe cups and crayons.

    Reply
    • Megan Sheakoski says

      October 2, 2017 at 11:12 am

      Thank you!!!!

      Reply
  2. Peggy Goldstein says

    May 27, 2020 at 9:43 pm

    You wrote: “Make there own patterns”.
    I am astonished at how many people who teach children have horrible spelling and grammar.
    It should read:”make THEIR own patterns” .

    Reply
    • Megan Sheakoski says

      June 1, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      Hi Peggy! I’m happy to update it for you. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Sedzani says

    March 31, 2022 at 5:09 am

    What is the name of the pattern and lebel each in the pattern

    Reply

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