Some people say that mathematics is the science of patterns. That's not a bad description. Not only do patterns take many forms over the range of school mathematics, they are also a unifying theme.

Number patterns—such as 3, 6, 9, 12—are familiar to us since they are among the patterns we first learn as young students. As we advance, we experience number patterns again through the huge concept of functions in mathematics. But patterns are much broader. They can be sequential, spatial, temporal, and even linguistic.

Visit the lab to explore logic patterns, number patterns, and word patterns. In queries about the attributes of things, you'll apply reasoning to answer "what's next?" not with a number but with a description. You'll focus on how to develop "function sense" without simply asking for the next number in the pattern. And through visual and written forms of expressions, you'll connect language and mathematics to develop skills for thinking clearly, strategically, critically, and creatively.