Lesson Objectives:

1.  Students will write algebraic equations from verbal models.
2. Students will use manipulatives to solve algebraic equations.
3.

Technology used:

Promethean Board

Step by step lesson overview:

Step 01:  Pass out students materials from the Hands on Equations kit

Step 02:  Review lesson 3 by reminding students that if we remove the same number of pawns (values for X) the scale will still balance and we can more easily find the value of X.

Step 03:  Review how we check our answers by setting up the original problems and solving for X.

Step 04:  Present the following problem:  2X + 4 = 10.  Have the students set the problem up on their mat.  The need two pawns and a 4 cube on the left and a 10 cube on the right.

Step 05:  Ask, “Can we remove any pawns from each side?”  (no)  Ask, “Is there anything that we could remove from both sides?” (4)

Step 06:  Use the teacher balance to demonstrate how to remove 4 from each side.  Ask:  If we remove 4 from the right side of the balance scale, what would we have left? (6)  Ask, “What does our equations say now?”  (2X = 6)


Step 07:  Ask, “What does X equal?” (3)

Step 08:  Demonstrate how to check the answer by setting up the original problem, 2X + 4 = 10.  Ask: “If X = 3, what does the left side of the equation equal?” (10) Ask:  “Do both sides have the same amount?” (yes) Explain that now we know that our answer, 3, is correct.

Step 09:  Use the Promethean board to continue with lesson 3.  Complete the four practice problems together using the manipulatives to solve for X and then check the answer.

Sunshine State Standards covered in lesson:

MA.D.1.2.2 The student generalizes a pattern, relation, or function to explain how a change in one quantity results in a change in another.

MA.D 2.2.1 The student represents a given simple problem situation using diagrams, models, and symbolic expressions translated from verbal phrases, or verbal phrases translated from symbolic expressions, etc.

MA.D.2.2.2 The student uses informal methods, such as physical models and graphs to solve real-world problems involving equations and inequalities.

How does this help students master the objectives?

Using the promethean board for this lesson helps the students break up verbal equations into usable parts.  The highlighter tool allows students to “see” the different parts of the equation that they would not be able to see using traditional paper and pencil methods of instruction.

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