One of our math standards is the ability to identify, create, and solve for patterns and algebra.
With some super fun decorator marbles I've picked up a few garage sales we practiced this for just 5 or 10 minutes the other day during math.
Most students started with a simple ABAB pattern. With a little thought, creativity, and exchange of colors, we had some real creativity!
This same concept includes geometric principals as well as numeric principals. We ended up with some very artistic and creative patterns!