Many high school physics courses have deemphasized mathematics, which has changed the nature and role of the inquiry experiments in them. This article lays out an approach built upon an introductory unit, "Patterns in Nature," which aims to engage students in constructing their understanding of physics through contextualizing and enhancing their mathematics skills. The unit focuses on four common patterns: linear, quadratic, inverse, and inverse square. Aligning with "A Framework for K-12 Science Education" (NRC 2012), this unit teaches students to make predictions, plan and conduct experiments, collect data, analyze the results, argue from evidence, and evaluate conclusions. Harnessing their own experiences, students learn the value of evidence-based reasoning and data-informed decision making.