Hands on Equations

Grade Level(s):  6^th – 8^th Grade

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:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.B.6: Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving a real-world or mathematical problem; understand that a variable can represent an unknown number, or, depending on the purpose at hand, any number in a specified set.

Targeted Needs of Student:

Using manipulatives to represent variables, introducing one step equations with variables, balancing equations, visual representation of balancing equations

Goal:

Providing students with a visual and kinesthetic way to balance equations with variables

Materials Needed:

1. Balance mat
2. Pawns
3. 0 – 5 Number dice
4. 6 – 10  Number dice

Explanation/Summary:

Students will use this mat to place pawns and numbers on it to represent an equations. The pawns will represent a variable (one color per variable – blue might mean x and red might mean y) and then the number dice represent a number (such as 5 being added to 2x or 5 + 2x). Then students will determine the number that the pawns represent using the strategy.

Resource:

Shared at the NCCTM Conference