Zoe Kleinmann and a student make a pattern of light with translucent cups. Zoe Kleinmann and a student explore patterns. First they create units of two connected plastic cubes to create an AB pattern.

There is a key rule when mixing two patterns: Avoid combining two large, busy patterns. Combine one small pattern with one that is larger and more widely spaced.

Hands of a child learning about patterns of size and color with colorful wooden blocks. Source: myboys/Shutterstock Part of what makes us human is the need for our brains to search for meaning. Good ...