The 6th graders are at it again.  Showing their work for all to see.  Since we are just getting off the ground this school year, I took the pictures.  The pictures below are student created patterns.  This is the beginning of our algebra work for this year.  We are exploring together how to recognize patterns and sequences and then eventually learn how to create a mathematical equation that represents that sequence.  We have lofty goals but with the inspiration of a growth mindset we are going to get there. 

The after creating the 4th in a sequence I then asked the students what the 16th or the 21st might look like.  How many cubes would it have in it?  Could they figure that out without making 16 or 21 models?  Their brains are getting good exercise!