Macaroni Pattern Necklaces
Math Lesson Plan
Students will be able to recognize and create a pattern of number and color by making macaroni pattern necklaces.
two different colors of macaroni, (mix Isopropyl Alcohol and food coloring – just enough to coat) string with glued ends, two jars for the macaroni
- Ask students what they think they are going to use the macaroni for. After all of the guesses are in, tell them they will be making macaroni necklaces.
- Tell students they will be using a certain pattern when making their necklaces. See if anyone can define or explain the term 'pattern'.
- Demonstrate making a necklace using an ABAABAAABAAAAB pattern, A being one color and B being the other.
- Ask students if they remember which color of macaroni was used first and then have children continue to verbalize the pattern.
- Write the pattern on the board with numbers and colors such as 1 blue, 1 green, 2 blue, 1 green, 3 blue, 1 green, etc. See if students notice any patterns. Discuss their answers.
- After they have recognized the pattern, hold up the two jars of different colored macaroni and ask how full they think the jars will be after the necklaces are finished. Write down these predictions.
- Have students make necklaces using the same pattern you demonstrated.
Talk about the actual amount left in the jar and discuss why. Have children recognize some other patterns they are familiar with.
Were the students able to make their necklaces with the correct pattern? Were they able to give examples of patterns? Did the properly guess how much macaroni would be left in the jars?
