Pattern Path at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Patterns & Algebraic Thinking Adventure Pack

Deep in the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains, trail markers are no longer following their usual sequence. Camp supply counts are inconsistent. Growth charts are misaligned. Ari Raider has detected a disruption in the pattern system. If explorers cannot identify the rules behind the changes, the entire trail network could lose its structure.

In Pattern Path at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, students ride the Trail Pattern Tracker and step into a high-stakes algebra mission. To restore order, explorers must identify repeating and growing patterns, determine pattern rules, and analyze input and output relationships. By building function tables, solving for unknown numbers, exploring introductory equations, and modeling patterns to keep systems balanced, students rebuild the logic behind the trail.

This adventure blends foundational algebraic thinking with problem-solving, reasoning, and real-world pattern recognition.

About This Adventure Pack

Pattern Path at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is designed for elementary explorers and connects directly to an interactive online adventure.

Students can complete the Pattern Path at Great Smoky Mountains National Park adventure online for free, including access to free printable trading cards that match this experience. The online adventure delivers the full learning and story-driven mission without requiring a physical kit.

👉 Explore the free Pattern Path at Great Smoky Mountains National Park adventure here: Coming Soon

For families or classrooms that want to extend the experience, this Adventure Pack adds collectible cards and hands-on components that bring the algebra mission into the physical world. The learning experience is the same whether students use the physical pack or not. The pack simply adds a tactile, collectible layer to the adventure.

What This Adventure Covers

Each Pattern Path at Great Smoky Mountains National Park Adventure Pack explores core Patterns & Algebraic Thinking concepts, including:

• Pattern Rule – A rule that explains how a pattern works
• Repeating Pattern – A pattern that repeats in the same order
• Growing Pattern – A pattern that increases or changes in a predictable way
• Input Output – A relationship where one number changes into another
• Function Table – A table that shows input and output pairs
• Unknown Number – A missing value that must be solved
• Equation (Intro) – A number sentence showing two equal expressions
• Balance – Keeping both sides of an equation equal
• Model Patterns – Representing patterns using numbers, tables, or diagrams

Each concept appears naturally within the adventure and is required to move the story forward, reinforcing algebraic thinking through exploration rather than memorization.

What’s Inside the Pack

• Adventure-Filled Field Pack (6×9 Adventure Pouch)
• Adventure Mission Card
• Interactive Online Adventure
• Knowledge Card Pack
• Mystery Dig Kit
• Dig Stick Tool
• Cleaning Wipe
• Mystery Collectible Specimen (Gemlet)
• Gemlet Storage Container
• Excavating Adventures Sticker

Why Kids Love It

Exploring mountain trails, uncovering hidden number patterns, solving logic challenges, and discovering a real mystery specimen makes early algebra feel like a puzzle adventure.

Why Teachers and Parents Love It

Pattern Path at Great Smoky Mountains National Park supports elementary math standards focused on patterns, relationships, and introductory equations. Students strengthen reasoning skills while building confidence in early algebraic thinking.

The adventure works for whole-class instruction, small groups, math centers, or independent practice — with or without the physical pack.

Free Adventure Option

Pattern Path at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also available online for free, including free printable trading cards that align directly with this adventure. No purchase is required to participate.

This reflects our mission at Excavating Adventures: to make engaging, story-driven adventures accessible to everyone.

👉 Explore the free Pattern Path at Great Smoky Mountains National Park adventure here: Coming Soon