Pattern Sticks

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners compete to be the first to win twenty counting pieces. First, learners draw patterns on only one side of four craft sticks. Then, learners take turns dropping their Pattern Sticks onto the table and counting the number of sticks that land with the pattern side up. Learners take that number of counting pieces from the center bowl. The first player to earn twenty counting pieces wins! Use this activity to help learners practice counting and consider the role of chance and probability. This activity guide contains sample questions to ask, literary connections, extensions, and alignment to local and national standards.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 8
Resource Types:
Activity, Game, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 4 plain wood craft sticks
  • Markers
  • Counting pieces
  • Bowl

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Probability
    • Number and Operations

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Games

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Children's Museum of Houston,

Funding Source:

  • ExxonMobil