Seventh graders, in an introductory algebra class, code and decode messages using substitution ciphers. Role-playing as mathematicians, they work in groups to decipher several messages, one of which translates to "math is awesome."

Sixth graders practice translating verbal expressions into algebraic expressions. In this introductory algebra lesson, 6th graders practice writing written/verbal sentences into algebraic expressions and vice versa. Students also review...

First, middle school mathematicians read phrases and translate them into a variable expression. Then, they make statements that explain expressions. On a second page, they combine variables to simplify expressions, and then they...

In this quadratic equations worksheet, 9th graders solve 10 different problems that include factorable quadratic equations. First, they move all the terms to the same side and set the equation to 0. Then, students factor the algebraic...

For this function tables worksheet, 11th graders solve 10 different problems that include completing various function tables. First, they read and identify each rule given for the tables. Then, students use the rule to determine the...

In this nature of roots worksheet, students solve 10 different problems that include determining the sum and product in each one. First, they determining the sum of the roots in the given equation. Then, students determine the product of...

Apply the power of mathematics to the power expressions. The lesson gives examples of expressions that utilize each of the exponent rules to simplify. Once seeing the exponent rules individually, scholars combine them to simplify an...

Help learners use a variety of methods to identify, visualize, and simplify polynomials with like terms. Several different visuals are used to introduce the instructional activity, such as colored pencils, overheads, interactive white...

The concept of absolute value can be difficult for learners to grasp. Reinforce their understanding of a basic absolute value expression and connect it to solving equations and inequalities. Scholars write two equations/inequalities to...

Solve equations and graph systems of inequalities. Designed as a lesson to reinforce these concepts, learners revisit shading and boundaries along with solving linear inequalities.

We use debt often to describe negative numbers and your learners will be able to see how it translates into math. They will be asked to go through a series of transactions and make simple equations for each one, following it with a...

Playing with matches (unlit, of course) becomes an engaging learning experience in this fun instructional unit. Teach pupils how to apply properties of exponential functions to solve problems. They differentiate between quadratic and...

A quick learning game challenges players to solve one-step addition and subtraction algebraic equations. Scholars play against several others, racing around the track in their four-wheeler, to see who can solve for a variable as fast...

Middle schoolers describe plotting functions on the Cartesian coordinate plane. They solve functions on paper and using an online tool to plot points on a Cartesian coordinate plane creating lines and parabolas.

Exponential functions are the name of the game. Young mathematicians can work through each of the eight worksheets by evaluating functions, applying logarithms, completing logarithmic functions, and building inverse functions. This...

Youngsters become flexible problem solvers with this challenging lesson. If there are 24 square tables in a restaurant, how many customers can be seated at one time? They can use manipulatives or draw pictures to help them find the...

Cover it up to reveal the values of variables. Using arrangements of colored tiles representing algebraic expressions, pupils layer them over each other to determine the values of variables. The procedure models the elimination method in...

Groups work with polynomials to devise functions that will model a selling price for property. The teams determine variables to create expressions to represent the cost required to develop land into a housing addition. Classmates then...

If you have two bags with an unknown number of tiles, represented by x, and you add three tiles to get seven total, you can set up a linear equation to represent the problem. Use this example and a few others to demonstrate how to solve...

An alien-themed learning game challenges scholars to solve algebraic equations with exponents and variables using multiplication. 

Who doesn't like boxes of money? A drag-and-drop interactive lets users separate variables and constants to combine like terms. They answer a set of challenge questions based on the results of the interactive.  

Build the model right out of the box. A few sample items show teachers how Smarter Balanced assessments may approach Claim 4, modeling and data analysis. Pupils use their skills to create equations or expressions to model the situation...

You will need a photovoltaic system and monitor at your school in order to obtain all of the data required to thoroughly implement this lesson. Your class monitors daily temperature and insolation amounts over a two week span of time....

Learners use, with increasing confidence, problem-solving approaches to investigate and explain mathematical content. They make and test conjectures. They use tables and graphs as tools to interpret expressions, equations, and inequalities.