First, fifth graders will figure out how to cut straw pieces that equal 1/8, 1/4, and 1/2 of a straw. Then they'll cut lots of pieces and store them in baggies and label.
After that, they'll see how students can use a pattern "map" or chart to guide pattern making. I'll give students a table template like the one below, and students will make a pattern first with straws, then with symbolic letters, and after that with colors to represent the size and color of each straw piece. I'll also ask them to figure out what the 50th 100th term of their pattern would be if they were to continue the sequence.
Next, fifth graders will string their own necklaces, and describe their pattern in words using the words sequence, term, repeat, 1/4, 1/2, 1/8.
When we meet with buddies, fifth graders will wear their necklaces and bring the pattern maps and baggies full of straw pieces.
Buddies will review vocabulary and math skill by first asking the kindergartners what they notice about the straw pieces in each bag? Then the fifth graders will say that we are going to make a sequence of shapes and colors with four or five pieces, which pieces do you want to use?
On the first row of the pattern map, the buddy and fifth grader will make their first sequence.
Then the fifth grader will say, can you repeat that again on the next line? They'll make the next line, then repeat two more times. After that they'll string the straw-beads in order from one sequence to the next onto the yarn and tie.
Once the necklace is done, they'll add the letters S(small), M(medium), B(big to the map) to represent the size of each term in the pattern. Then they'll color the boxes with the pattern colors. Fifth graders will help buddies to "read" the pattern once they are done, reading colors first, then size letters. If there's extra time, the kindergartners and buddies can design other patterns using the pattern maps.
