3-5
This lesson provides an introduction to the use of variables, and
develops students' algebraic thinking. Students create variable
machines to discover the value of words.
This lesson was adapted from a lesson by Gilbert Cuevas and Karol Yeatts, as found in Navigating Through
Algebra in Grades 3 ‑ 5, from the Navigations Series, NCTM 2001.
9-12
Adapted from
Navigating through Algebra in Grades 9–12, this lesson allows students to examine a recursive sequence in a game between the Devil and Daniel Webster.
6-8
In this lesson, students experience beginning-algebra concepts through
discussion, exploration, and videotaping. The concept of multiplication
of integers is presented in a format which encourages understanding,
not simply rote memorization of facts. This lesson plan is adapted from
the article, "A Videotaping Project to Explore the Multiplication of
Integers", by Marcia B. Cooke, which appeared in Arithmetic Teacher, Vol. 41, No. 3 (November 1993) pp. 170-171.
9-12
This lesson focuses on having students make connections among different
classes of polynomial functions by exploring the graphs of the
functions. The questions in the activity sheets allow students to make
connections between the x-intercepts of the graph of a polynomial and
the polynomial's factors. This activity is designed for students who
already have a strong understanding of linear functions, some knowledge
of quadratic functions, and what is meant by a polynomial function.
6-8
Students explore the relationships among lines, slopes, and
y-intercepts
in the context of printing their algebra textbooks. Students use a
spreadsheet to facilitate their exploration. This activity is based on
an idea from
Navigating Through
Algebra in Grades 6-8 (NCTM, 2001).
6-8
Students investigate properties of perimeter, area, and volume related
to various geometric two- and three-dimensions shapes. They conjecture,
test, discuss, verbalize, and generalize patterns. Through this process
they
discover the salient features of the
pattern,
construct understandings of concepts and relationships, develop
a language to talk about the pattern,
integrate, and
discriminate
between the pattern and other patterns. When relationships between quantities in
a pattern are studied, knowledge about important mathematical relationships and
functions emerges.
6-8
In this lesson, students transition from arithmetic to algebraic thinking by exploring problems that are not limited to single-solution responses. Values organized into tables and graphs are used to move toward symbolic representations. Problem situations involving linear, quadratic, and exponential models are employed. This lesson is based upon the article "Building Bridges to Algebraic Thinking" by Roger Day, which appeared in the February 1997 edition of
Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School.
6-8
Students develop their skills in collecting and recording data using the real-world situation of a bouncing tennis ball. They use the data collected to formulate the relationship between the dependent and independent variable in their experiment.
Pre-K-2
Students explore the use of variables as they solve for the weights of objects using information presented in pictures. They model situations that involve adding and subtracting whole numbers, using objects, pictures, and symbols.
Pre-K-2
In this activity, students create and explore more complex patterns
such as "growing patterns" which have related but different
relationships to "repeating patterns". Students form generalizations,
analyze, and describe growing patterns using connecting-cubes, and
explore what happens when growing patterns "double" or "split."
