Pattern Matching Puzzles

Pattern matching is a big part of computational thinking. It is part of generalising solutions. Here are some pattern matching puzzles suitable for different ages.

Caterpillar Colour and Number Patterns

These pattern matching puzzles are for primary pre-coders (UK KS1) and support numeracy.

Complete the blank segment of the caterpillar to finish the pattern.

Download the puzzles from our Caterpillar Colour and Number Pattern Page

Caterpillar Word Patterns

These pattern matching puzzles are for primary pre-coders (UK KS1) and support literacy.

Complete the missing words to finish the pattern.

Download the puzzles from our Caterpillar Word Pattern Page

Odd Cats Out

These pattern matching puzzles are for primary pre-coders (UK KS1).

Circle a cat or group of cats that does NOT fit the pattern in each row of cats.

Download the puzzles from our Odd Cats Out Page

Lighthouse Patterns

These pattern matching puzzles are for primary pre-coders (UK KS1, KS2) and support numeracy.

Write the number in the light of the lighthouse that continues the pattern.

A good way to spot many number patterns is to make a new series of numbers by subtracting the numbers next to each other in the original series.

Download the puzzles from our Lighthouse Pattern Page

These pattern matching puzzles are suitable for those who are learning to code having moved on from block-based languages. In maths you often have to complete sequences. Here we do a computer science equivalent. Not only do you need to work out the pattern, but then fit it into the template code. All the puzzle sequences generalise to the same computational pattern as expressed by the pseudocode.

Algorithmic Patterns

These pattern matching puzzles are for older coders (UK KS3,4,5) and support the understanding of specific algorithms as well as algorithmic thinking.

Download the puzzles from our Algorithmic Pattern page