LED bar pattern shift (right to left) using 555 timer resistors and LEDs and SIPO shift register
You will need to use something else to "load" the pattern into the shift register, and then once loaded, will need to change over to connect the output of the shift register to its input to keep it cycling, 

As its homework, I can only guide, but not give a solid answer, 

to make loading easy, lets start with an OR gate to the input of this shift register (output of the shift register on 1 leg, loading via the other)

next up is loading the correct high or low for each bit on the shift register, using say a Parrellel in serial out shift register, with its serial input tied to ground, and each bit in it set correctly, this will also mean once loaded the output will be stuck at 0, and will not effect the pattern, 

Lastly have an input you control to "clear" this shift register, and "load" the other one at the same time, this way it starts reliably each and every time.