EquaBeam Number Balance

Grade Level(s):  Various Grades

Content Area:                                                                        Process Area:

Numbers and Operations                                           Problem-Solving

Algebra                                                           Reasoning and Proof

Geometry                                                                    Communication

Measurement                                                             Representation

Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability                    Connections

Common Core Standards:

Various standards can be applied when using this balance.

Targeted Needs of Student:

Adding numbers, representing and understanding equal signs, balancing equations, showing multiplication and division in a representational way

Goal:

Providing students with visual balance of equations

Materials Needed:

1. EquaBeam
2. EquaBeam Weights
3. Scratch Paper
4. Writ

Explanation/Summary:

Students will be shown the balance along with equations to show the importance of balancing both sides of the equation. First the teacher will have a card of equations and then they will ask students to show this on the balance. For instance, the card might say 2 + 5 = ___ + 3. Students would use the middle of the balance to symbolize the equal sign and then place a weight on 2 and then on 5 on the left side of the balance and a 3 on the right side. They will find the number that goes in the box. This is a good strategy to use in small groups but not in whole group because students need to be able to explore.

Resource:

Shared at the NCCTM Conference