Pattern Detective
Crack pattern cases: find what comes next, what is missing and what the rule is.
Each pattern is a case to solve in Pattern Detective. A row of shapes or numbers has a missing piece, and the child works out what comes next, what is missing, what the rule is or which item breaks the pattern. Every case is checked so that exactly one choice fits, which leaves one answer a careful child can defend.
Patterns begin with repeating colors and shapes and grow into skip counting, rules with two steps, doubling, squares and Fibonacci style sequences. Spotting a rule and testing it on every term is early algebra thinking, and the game practices it from kindergarten through grade 6.
What children practice
- Continue repeating patterns such as AB, ABB and ABC
- Complete growing patterns of shapes and counting patterns
- Skip count and apply add or subtract rules
- Find the rule behind a number sequence
- Work with doubling, squares, triangular and Fibonacci style sequences
- Find the number that breaks a pattern
Levels
- Level 1: Shape and color patterns
- Level 2: Growing patterns and counting
- Level 3: Skip counting and number rules
- Level 4: Two rules and finding the rule
- Level 5: Doubling, squares, Fibonacci
- Level 6: Detective challenge
How it works
- Six levels run from shape and color patterns to a mixed detective challenge.
- Each case comes with a tip, such as saying the pattern out loud.
- In the picture cases a wrong pick brings up a hint, and another miss brings up a second hint.
- The question has a speaker button, and every solved case ends by stating the rule.
Best for: A good fit for kindergarten through grade 6, from first patterns to number rules.
Tip for parents: Make patterns with snacks, blocks or steps while you walk, then pause and ask your child what comes next and how they know. Asking 'what is the rule?' builds the same thinking.
Questions parents ask
Are there number patterns or only shapes?
Both: Level 1 uses colored shapes and Level 2 adds growing groups of shapes. From Level 3 most cases use numbers, with rules such as add 4, double, or add the two numbers before.
What is the detective challenge?
Level 6 mixes case types. It includes a missing number in the middle of a list, rules written with n such as n times 3 plus 1, and the question of which number breaks the pattern.
How does the game keep answers fair?
Before a case is used, the game checks every simple rule that fits the numbers shown. A case is kept only if the right choice follows the intended rule and no wrong choice fits any rule.
Ready to try it?
Pattern Detective is free with a parent account. A parent adds a child profile, and the child's progress is saved.