Number patterns and function machines can be a tricky concept for a third or fourth grader. Figuring out the “rule” and then determining which direction the number pattern or function machine is going can be tricky. Today Mrs. Kawugule, a fourth grade teacher at Crestview Elementary, invited me to her room do a number pattern lesson. Students got their brains warmed up with the Cyber Chase Function Machine website and then it was time to get creative. We gave each child a “rule” (+2,+6,-9, -3..etc) and taught them how to create a table using Numbers. Everyone created a number pattern in the form of a table. Afterwards, the students made a function machine in Pixie to go along with their table. They learned how to do a screenshot and drop their picture into their Numbers spreadsheet. Their creations were wonderful! Here are my favorite:
