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Creating and Solving Linear Equations and Justifying Steps

Description: 

This unit will cover solving equations, including justifying the steps to those solutions using mathematical properties.  It also covers creating equations and using them to solve problems.  There is a link to a Google Doc that is the planning document for the unit, and it contains links to resources mentioned.  While this lesson does not yet contain loads of online resources/practice/content, it does offer lots of variety in terms of content presentation and student practice.

Learning Targets: 
Solve linear equations that have one variable in them.
Explain each step in solving simple equations. Use properties to justify the steps used.
Create equations containing one variable from a word problem. Solve the equations in order to answer a question.
Link: 
Planning document for the unit, including links to resources
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KRKB5tjlX-VCBnLbQ51J5rQgeZPbo0x2YJf03X67Vps/edit
AttachmentSize
File Notes for Solving Linear Equations and Justifying Steps.docx112.45 KB
Author: 
Becky Bierschbach
Content Area: 
Mathematics
Expressions, Equations and Inequalities
Language: 
English
Resource Type: 
Unit
Licensing: 
Creative Commons Licence
Grade: 
9-12
Common Core Math
Common Core Math: 
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.1
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.3
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.CED.1
Tags: 
hamiltoncohort1
solving linear equations
justifying steps
solving
creating linear equations

How are the standards/objectives assessed?

The standards are assessed formatively both digitally and on paper using exit slips and student practice.  Students are summatively assessed via a quiz/test at the end of the unit.

Student prerequisite skills and knowledge

Students should know...

  • The parts of an expression (terms, coefficients, constants...).
  • How to translate words into algebra to create expressions and equations.

How is the concept or procedure explained or demonstrated?

Students will learn mostly through modeling and guided practice, but there are supplemental video components and an activity that's more exploratory.  There are several practice activities that allow students to get up and move, work cooperatively, and work at their own ability levels.

What concepts or procedures are being explained or demonstrated in this lesson object?

Students will be taught...

  • Mathematical properties used to justify the steps of simplifying expressions and solving equations.
  • The process of simplifying expressions.
  • How to solve equations - one step, two step, multi-step, and special cases.
  • How to create equations from a description in words.
  • How to use the solution to an equation to answer a question.

What was your experience, both successes and challenges, using this lesson object with your students?

I have not yet used this unit, but it will be one of the first units I teach my Algebra 1 students at the start of the year.  I am hopeful that it will go well!  I also hope it will set the tone for the year, allowing both me and my students to stay out of a "rut" of defaulting to the same routine day after day.  The lessons within this unit offer variety in the way students interact with each other and the teacher, and in they way they practice the concepts, so I anticipate students enjoying those aspects of it.