Waterloo Mathematics
Grade 7 Patterning and Algebra: Algebraic Expressions
Classmates solve 18 different problems that are mostly word problems that apply algebraic expressions. They draw different combinations of masses on a scale that would balance. They also simplify expressions and solve for x in a number...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions
Sixth and seventh graders explore the concept of simplifying algebraic expressions. They review the order of operations and apply properties to simplify and compare them. The author suggests using a "Boxes Game" as a motivator to get...
University of California
Student Workbook: Algebra and Functions
A smorgasbord of functions, this packet has the basics required for your learners to be successful in the land of early algebra. The packet includes solving equations, graphing, evaluating, simplifying and basically everything else in...
Curated OER
Who Wants to Win Millions?
Similar to the popular game Jeopardy, pre-algebra students will play to win. This game focuses on solving and writing simple equations using subtraction, multiplication, or addition. A great way to review for the big test!
Curated OER
Number Lines, Variables, Solving for One Variable
Review basic algebraic rules of addition of integers. Then have the class define a variable and explore methods of solving equations with one variable. They observe solving expressions using inverse operations and simplifying solutions....
Curated OER
Writing Variable Expressions for Physical Models
Explore the concept of writing variable expressions by examining the similarities between expressions with numbers and expressions with variables. Emerging mathematicians determine rules for sequences and patterns before writing a rule...
Curated OER
Simple Inequalities
Students solve inequalities. In this inequalities lesson, students evaluate simple inequalities. They examine vocabulary words. Students participate in breath holding activities and write inequalities to represent the activity. In teams,...
Curated OER
Substitute into Simple Expressions
Learners simplify simple equations. Using a maze game, young mathematicians speculate about the size of different algebraic values and what other equivalent expressions might look like. It is a nice beginning activity for introducing...
Curated OER
Writing Algebraic Expressions for Words
Young scholars explore the concept of algebraic expressions. In this algebraic expressions lesson, students convert pictures and word problems into algebraic expressions. Young scholars play a game where they tell the algebraic...
Curated OER
Online video games plus curriculum-based math equals an engaging educational tool.
Seventh graders use online math games to practice understanding the skill of estimation and order of operations. In this lesson, 7th graders use the internet to play online games to strengthen their understanding of these skills.
National Security Agency
It's Probably Probable
Learners make predictions and draw conclusions from given information as they learn the meaning of probability in this vocabulary-rich, integrated activity that presents a variety of teaching strategies to motivate and reach all learning...
MathMovesU
Negative Numbers Practice
A collection of nine integer worksheets, middle schoolers practice computing the positive and negative values in a variety of problems. Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers are the skills conveyed in these resources.
Curated OER
The Language of Algebra
Pupils compare the language of algebra to a foreign language. They play the game "Pictionary" to emphasize that pictures can represent words. After writing definitions and discussing the meaning of variable expressions, students, in...
Curated OER
Interesting Integers and Exciting Equations
An 80-page resource provides four lessons and all associated worksheets to teach middle schoolers about expressions and equations. The lessons are hands-on, using games, "integer chips," a balance and cubes, and cut and paste activities....
Shodor Education Foundation
Spy Game
Turn students into detectives as they decipher encrypted messages. Introduce your class to modular arithmetic and have a little fun encrypting and decoding secret messages. The activity does not hit many content standards, but would be...
Curated OER
Order of Operations
Students analyze the Order of Operations. They play a game to explore Order of Operations and observe a PowerPoint presentation slide sow. They generate patterns and functions to represent and solve problems. Students model and solve...
Illustrative Mathematics
Busy Day
This activity gets at the heart of algebraic reasoning and setting up equations with one variable to solve real-world problems. The worksheet has only one problem, but it requires that learners first use their own reasoning capabilities...
Math Stars
Math Stars: a Problem-Solving Newsletter Grade 7
Put on your thinking caps because middle school math has never been more interesting in this huge resource full of thought provoking questions. Written as a newsletter, the resource has 10 two-page newsletters with a variety of...
Curated OER
Discovering Math: Computation
Middle schoolers add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational numbers. They find the square and the cube of numbers. They create a game incorporating computation on rational numbers. Everyone works together to write and evaluate...
Curated OER
Graphing and the Coordinate Plane
Students examine the four quadrants of Cartesian coordinate plane. They play maze games and coordinate games to discover how to read and plot points on the plane. Students plot points on the coordinate plane and examine the ratio of...
Curated OER
Rules of Sign Change
Students manipulate negative and positive numbers. In this integers lesson, students move through three activities exploring negative and positive whole numbers. A number line, cardboard function representation, and solving expressions...
Curated OER
Lucky 7s
This helpful lesson explores the probability in tossing a coin and throwing dice. Specifically, it looks at the probability of getting numbers that are significant to the game of craps, assuming that once the math is understood, most...
Curated OER
Tower of Hanoi Lesson Plan
Young scholars investigate the Legend of the Tower of Hanoi and complete mathematical problems related to the legend. They play the Tower of Hanoi game online in order to discover the number pattern involved. They solve problems using...
National Security Agency
A Balancing Act: Solving Multi-Step Equations
Wow! Put on that thinking cap and solve multi-step equations. To solve equations, learners review the use of the distributive property and combining like terms. This three-day lesson plan comes with about 20 pages of worksheets,...