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Teach Engineering: The Balancing Act ActivityTeach Engineering: The Balancing Act Activity
Publisher
TeachEngineering
Curator Rating
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Activity

Teach Engineering: The Balancing Act

Curated by ACT

Students are given the opportunity to visualize and interact with concepts they have already learned, specifically algebraic equations and solving for unknown variables. Students construct a balancing seesaw system (LEGO Balance Scale) made from LEGO MINDSTORMS parts and digital components to mimic a balancing scale. They are given sample algebraic equation problems to analyze, configure onto the balance scale, and evaluate by manipulating LEGO pieces and gram masses that represent terms of an equation such as unknown variables, coefficients and integers. Digital light sensors, built into the LEGO Balance Scale, detect any balance or imbalances displayed on the balancing scale. The LEGO Balance Scale interactively issues out a digital indication of balance or imbalance within the system to students. If unbalanced, students are encouraged to continue using the LEGO Balance Scale until they're correct and confident in their understanding of solving for algebraic equations. The goal of this activity is for each student to be encouraged and confident in solving algebraic equations by fundamentally understanding the basics of algebra and real-world algebraic applications.

4 Views 5 Downloads
Concepts

stem

Additional Tags

balanced equation, light sensor, sensor, integrated teaching and learning program and laboratory, lego, mindstorms, nxt, teachengineering, integer, inverse operation, one-step equation, two-step equation, algebra applications
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Resource Details

Grade
6th - 8th
Subjects
Math
1 more...
Resource Type
Activities & Projects
Audiences
For Administrator Use
1 more...
Lexile Measures
0L

View 23,980 other resources for 6th - 8th Grade General Math

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