Number (patterns): Fascinating Fractals
Challenge level ⭐⭐
(designed for children with prior knowledge of the Year 3 and Year 4 programme of study)
Learning Objective
We are learning how to solve a natural world problem by using and applying our skills and knowledge of number and identifying patterns.
Useful prior knowledge:
- To recognise patterns and sequences
Credit: BBC Two - The Code
Clip Description
Nature is full of many different and beautiful patterns. The shell of a turtle, the scales of a fish, the spots that cover a giraffe’s body and the wings of a dragonfly are just some examples of where tessellating patterns can be found.
In this fascinating clip, we learn about a special type of pattern found in nature called a fractal. Fractals give rise to complex structures that at first glance can seem disordered and random. We learn that a tree is an example of a fractal. This is because it follows a simple rule that repeats over and over again as it grows. What do you think this rule is? Watch the clip to find out.
Quick Whiteboard Challenge
Continue and discuss with a partner the rules behind the number sequences below.
1) 4, 2, 0, -2, -4, -6, ____ , _____
2) 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, _____ , _____
3) 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, ____ , ____