The Pattern Alphabet: patternABC

The pattern alphabet (pABC) offers a revolutionary new approach to spatial learning that is easily accessible and usable for even young children — when spatial education should begin. Based on spatial patterns found in nature and in design, the 32 core patterns are ubiquitous in our everyday and natural environments and provide building blocks for the later understanding of engineering and more sophisticated mathematics.

Already adopted by NASA and in use by their systems engineers for AI, the patterns can benefit diverse populations because they abound in nature and in everyday objects. A successful pilot study for UNICEF in Tanzania sets the stage for two studies with 4-year-olds from under-resourced environments. Both studies link children’s ability to see and learn about pABC to standardized measures of spatial and mathematical reasoning.