Curated OER
Algebra: Equations
In this algebra equations activity, 7th graders solve and complete 5 different problems that include balance scales. First, they complete each balance challenge by multiplying the given numbers. Then, students determine the number of...
Curated OER
Hands-On Equations: Teacher Notes
Math manipulatives are wonderful for demonstrating any number of mathematical concepts in a concrete and visual way. Learners review the addition property of equality and the zero property using a scale model kit (not shown). They...
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...
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....
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Solving Single-Variable Equations Part II
Brainiacs explore the concept of solving single-variable equations.They use inverse operations to solve equations, and participate in activities such as balancing an equation scale. This is an awesome lesson, complete with game...
Illustrative Mathematics
Paying the Rent
Learning how a bank account works is a useful tool. The exercise in the resource is to deduct rent from a checking account and create an equation from a description. Participants then graph the balance of the bank account versus months...
Education Development Center
Language of Algebra
Don't rush into algebra, let learners visualize, guess, and predict their way to a successful math career. The introductory unit incorporates beginner algebraic concepts with shapes instead of variables. Young mathematicians use a...
Balanced Assessment
Two Solutions
An assessment presents a variety of equations and inequalities. Pupils must find two solutions for each equation or inequality and determine whether there are only two, another finite number, or an infinite number of solutions for the...
Concord Consortium
A Linear System
Young mathematicians have the hang of graphing with integer coefficients now. Can they generalize what they've learned to equations with variable coefficients? The task asks individuals to verify the solution to the system is (x,y) and...
Concord Consortium
The Line and the Ellipse
What do a line and an ellipse have in common? Maybe zero, one, or two points! Learners consider the equation of an ellipse and a line to determine if their graphs have any shared points. They then write a system of equations, including...
Concord Consortium
Systematic Solution I
Writing a general rule to model a specific pattern is a high-level skill. Your classes practice the important skill as they write rules describing the solutions to a system of equations with variable coefficients. As an added challenge,...
Concord Consortium
In a Triangle
What's in a triangle? Just 180 degrees worth of angles! Young learners use given angle relationships in a triangle to write an algebraic representation. Using a system of equations, they simplify the equation to a linear representation.
Balanced Assessment
A Loud Noise
In a scale measuring noise, an increase in 10 dB is a 10 time increase in power. Mathematicians examine the data graph of a real world exponential growth, with no logarithmic scale, and then create two equations relating the decibels and...
Concord Consortium
Going Up
Going on up—and up and up! An open-ended task asks learners to model the movement of an amusement ride with parametric equations. They then analyze their equations to determine how the shadow of the ride's car moves as it rises at a...
Curated OER
Balancing Act
In this equations worksheet, students solve one digit addition and subtraction problems and then put 2 problems on each scale that are related. Students complete 12 equations and put 8 scales together.
Curated OER
The Balancing Act: Bottles, Plates, Drinking Glasses and Jugs
In this algebra worksheet, students ponder this 1 puzzle concerning the balance of bottles, plates, drinking glasses, and jugs. Students set up equations from a word problem and proceed in determining how much of one is needed to balance...
Curated OER
Equations in Motion: Design and construct a mobile
Students participate in a lesson that covers the concepts of solving equations and inequalities. To master the concept they must demonstrate visually and verbally how both sides of an equation must be balanced. They construct a balanced...
Education Development Center
Logic of Algebra
Don't just go through the steps to solve an algebraic equation, show learners how to balance an equation with visual models. The packet introduces the idea of mobile balances to reinforce the idea that both sides must match to make the...
CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: 8th Grade Math – Claim 3
Communication is the key. A dozen sample items require scholars to communicate their reasoning involved in arriving at a solution. The PowerPoint from the Gr. 8 Claim 2 - 4 Item Slide Shows series uses a variety of content to illicit...
CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: 6th Grade Math – Claim 3
Communication is key. Eight sample items show how important communication and reasoning is for sixth grade mathematics. Part of the Claim 2-4 slide show series, the presentation uses concepts from fifth and sixth grade to illicit...
PHET
Equality Explorer: Basics
Not all interactives are made equal. Scholars use an interactive balance to explore the concept of equality. They place different objects on balances to determine the number of each object needed to balance the scale.
CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: High School Math – Target C
Let units pave the way to success. A set of five questions in a helpful PowerPoint presentation highlights the SBAC Claim 1 Target C high school item specifications. It covers the use of units to steer solutions, identifying appropriate...
CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: High School Math – Target E
Pupils rewrite expressions in equivalent forms to identify key features. They use the vertex and factored forms of quadratic expressions to identify the extrema and intercepts. To finish the installment of the Claim 1 Item Slide Show...
Curated OER
Equal Equations
In this equal equations instructional activity, students complete pairs of equations to make them equal. In this fill in the blank instructional activity, students answer nine problems.