Now that I have a little more time on my hands, I decided to write up some of my spiral explorations so that others can more easily play along or use them in the classroom.
Templates:
Spiral Templates – 100 1 sheet
Google Document Files: Instructions Templates
Suggestions:
- Because my school is not 1:1, I printed these out and had the kids use markers or colored pencils.
- I have them start with the spiraled hundred chart (printed 4 to a page) to have them play around with patterns at first. This is also a good opportunity for them to test conjectures.
- Connecting the numbers in the pattern adds another element of visual interest.
- Students looking for an extra challenge can try a variety of quadratic patterns. I usually have them put a function into Desmos or a graphing calculator and use the table.
Here are the pentagonal numbers done on the large spiral:
Number Loving Beagle 