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Introduction to Algebra

Description: 

This unit is designed for students in the 6-8th grade range who are encountering algebra for the first time.  The content of this unit will produce students that are comfortable reading and writing algebraic expressions and equations, performing basic integer operations and finally, putting it all together to solve one-step algebraic equations.  Students will encounter a variety of activities that attend to different learning styles and offer differentiation as they plunge into the world of algebra.

Learning Targets: 
Read and Write Algebraic Expressions and Equations
Add/Subtract/Multiply/Divide Integers
Solve One-Step Equations with Whole Numbers
Link: 
Introduction to Algebra
https://sites.google.com/a/dces.info/coursework/
AttachmentSize
File Blended Unit Plan - Moore.docx30.25 KB
Author: 
JenMoore525
Content Area: 
Mathematics
Algebra
Language: 
English
Resource Type: 
Unit
Licensing: 
Creative Commons Licence
Grade: 
6
7
8
Tags: 
cohort09-11-17

Student prerequisite skills and knowledge

As students will be in middle school when they experience this unit, there are many prerequisite skills that play a role in the forethought of this unit.  More blatantly, students must be able to reason with, utilize and draw conclusions from physical models. I have found that introducing the number systems (specifically, what an integer is), and demonstrations using the number line have positively impacted student readiness for this unit.  

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

Here is a collective list of the concepts to be covered throughout the unit:

  • Identify and sort Words in Math into categories
  • Define variable, constant, expression and equation
  • Sort numeric and algebraic expressions
  • Sort expressions and equations
  • Diagram parts of an expression and equation
  • Evaluate expressions with one and two variables
  • Given real-world scenarios, write expressions with one variable
  • Translate between word and standard forms
  • Expand knowledge of integers on the number line
  • Model movement on the number line
  • Model integer addition and subtraction
  • Explore rules for integer addition and subtraction
  • Model integer multiplication and division
  • Explore rules for integer multiplication and division
  • Explore rules for balancing equations
  • Determine whether a given number is a solution to an equation
  • Use addition to solve one-step equations
  • Use subtraction to solve one-step equations
  • Use multiplication to solve one-step equations
  • Use division to solve one-step equations
  • Solve story problems involving variables and equations

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

In my experience, this unit sometimes takes 4 weeks, and sometimes it takes 6; it all depends on the group of young minds that you happen to get each year.  This is most often their first take at algebra, and I am very determined to give them a positive, successful, solid foundation on which they can continue to build throughout the school year and beyond.  More specifically, use integer chips, use interactive balances, practice opportunities both in the classroom and on the internet, require precision in note-taking, and utilize performance assessments.  Each year, students come in with this preconceived notion that algebra is SO difficult, yet can exit this unit with confidence on which to build.