ABSTRACT
Many mathematicians consider patterns as the basis for all mathematics. Applications of mathematics often require the use of patterns to explain natural phenomena. Knowing different ways to resolve problems and having discovered patterns on our own provide tools, which can be used successfully in future contexts. Observing a pattern and continuing to apply it can often lead directly to the resolution of a particular problem situation. Pattern recognition is a highly motivating feature and should be used where possible to drive home important concepts and skills. The motivational strategy of having students recognize a pattern can be very powerful and engender some deep understanding of the principle being introduced. This motivational activity involving exhibiting a pattern served the dual purpose of motivating students while developing the main theme of the lesson. The more practice and experience the students have with searching for and finding patterns, the more adept they become at recognizing patterns from data.
