Pascal’s Triangle Christmas Tree Math
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Have you ever heard or Pascal’s Triangle? It is a cool number pattern named after Blaise Pascal, a famous French Mathematician and Philosopher. I took this triangle and turned it into a Christmas Tree math activity.
What is Pascal’s Triangle?
Pascal’s Triangle is a number pattern named after French mathematician Blaise Pascal.
Every number inside the triangle is the sum of the two numbers above it.
It reveals all kinds of fascinating connections:
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Addition patterns
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Symmetry
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Powers of 2
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Triangular numbers
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Combinations (binomial coefficients)
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Hidden designs like the Sierpinski triangle
And when you color the numbers based on patterns, the triangle turns into a beautiful Christmas tree!
Following is Pascal’s version.
I have taken his method and made it into a fun modern activity that kids will enjoy!
To build the triangle, start with “1” at the top, then continue placing numbers below it in a triangular pattern. All of the outside ones have a one in them. Then you add together the two numbers above it for each triangle going down. Since I built it entirely out of triangles, on this tree, you only write the numbers on the ones facing upwards.
Each number is the numbers directly above it added together.
Then you can color it in fun patterns! There are a ton of different patterns within the numbers. Try to see how many different patterns you can find!
I created a set of Pascal’s Triangle printables that you can use. There are a few different versions. I made one with larger triangles and less numbers to fill in so you an teach the concept to older and younger kids. I also used the same two triangle sets and removes the star and trunk so you can use it even when it is not holiday time!
How to Download the Pascal’s Triangle Math Activity:
$3.50Add to cart
What Math Concepts Does This Teach?
✔️ Number patterns
✔️ Addition properties
✔️ Combinations + binomial theorem introduction
✔️ Geometric patterns (triangular array)
✔️ Probability foundations
✔️ Even/odd sorting skills (younger grades)
Great for Grades 2–9, with easy scaffolding options.
Holiday Extension Ideas
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Add tinsel-style connecting lines showing the “sum of the two numbers above.”
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Turn each row into a paper chain to create a life-size class tree.
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Compare Pascal’s Triangle to Sierpinski’s Triangle using the same coloring rules.
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Create a STEM bulletin board:
“Why is Pascal’s Triangle Everywhere in Math?”
Interested in more holiday STEAM ideas? Check out my latest book STEAM Kids Christmas!
See More Holiday Learning Ideas:
Free Printable Christmas Pictionary Game Cards
Christmas Candy Cane Science Experiment (Diffusion Activity for Kids)
