1. Topic-
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2. Content-
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A variable is a letter or symbol that represents a number (unknown
quantity).
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3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
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Students should,
1. appreciate the use of algebra as a language and a form of communication;
2. appreciate the role of symbols and algebraic techniques in solving
problems in mathematics and related fields
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4. Objectives-
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1.Students should be able to translate at least 4 of 5 mathematical
relationships described in words into an expression
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5. Materials and Aids-
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(For each pair)
1 plastic bag containing:
- 18 counters
- 2 identical envelopes
1 calculator (optional) |
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6. Procedures/Methods-
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A. Introduction-
1. Teacher will tell students that they are going to pick their favorite
subject using some of the magic of algebra.
2. Each student will be asked to think of a number, write it down,
and/or enter it into their calculator. They will be told not to let
anyone else see their number.
3. They will be instructed to:
- Add 7 to their number
- Multiply the result by 2
- Add 4 to that result
- Divide the result by 2
- Subtract the original number
They will be reminded not to show the answer to anyone.
4. Students will be instructed to start at the top of the circle and
count in a clockwise direction till they get to the number they got.
5. Students will be asked what their favorite number is from the exercise.
6. Students will be asked if they have any idea how the teacher did
that. Teacher will allow a few minutes for discussion on their ideas
and explanations.
7. Teacher will ask students if anyone can tell how algebra is different
from arithmetic. Teacher will guide class to understanding that the
difference is that in algebra letters are used to represent numbers.
Teacher will also discuss the similarities between algebra and arithmetic
(both do use numbers, both have the operations of addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division, both are used to solve problems).
8. Teacher will direct students to work with their partner to complete
the activity sheet that shows how algebra works.
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B. Development-
| See Student Activity Sheet |
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D. Independent Practice-
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E. Checking for understanding-
Teacher will complete the lesson by reviewing the words - arithmetic
("adding, subtracting, multiplying and
dividing numbers"�)
- operations ("things you can do with numbers, like addition,
subtraction,
multiplication, and division'\"�)
- variable ("a symbol like a letter that stands for an amount
that
you don't know or that isn't always the same"�)
- algebra ("doing operations with variables"�). |
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G. Closure-
Homework:
Make your own algebra magic trick. Be sure to test the "trick"�
to see if it works. |
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