Noyce Foundation
Toy Trains
Scholars identify and continue the numerical pattern for the number of wheels on a train. Using the established pattern and its inverse, they determine whether a number of wheels is possible. Pupils finish by developing an algebraic...
Curated OER
Algebra Vocabulary Crossword
In this algebra vocabulary instructional activity, students complete a crossword puzzle, using a set of 13 algebraic clues and a word box given at the bottom of the page.
Curated OER
Algebra Vocabulary Matching
In this algebra vocabulary learning exercise, students match a set of 13 algebra terms with their definitions. Answers are available on page 2. A reference web site is given for additional activities.
EngageNY
Read Expressions in Which Letters Stand for Numbers II
Reading and writing take on a whole different meaning in math class. Young mathematicians learn to read verbal phrases by focusing on operation words. They write equivalent algebraic expressions for both mathematical and contextual...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 1: Getting Ready Module
This fabulous resource is a must-have for any algebra teacher's arsenal of lessons. Developing the idea of equations and use of variables from basic physical scenarios, learners gain valuable intuition in the structure and meaning of...
Curated OER
Incredible Integers!
There are three parts to this instructional activity on integers. In the first, learners explore positive and negative numbers on an actual painter's tape number line and by playing a "Hot Seat" game. In part two, they view a BrainPop...
District 158
Plan an Adventure
For kids, taking a vacation is all fun and games, but after completing this pre-algebra project, they'll have a whole new appreciation for the planning that makes these trips possible. Given a budget of $5,000 to spend on purchasing the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Fruit Salad
Playing with values in this fruit salad problem allows learners to find out how many cherries were mixed in. Your middle schoolers can organize their thoughts in a chart before going into the equation. Eigth graders can skip the chart...
Illustrative Mathematics
Triangular Tables
Somewhat of a puzzle, this problem gets pre-algebra preteens to write an expression representing a seating chart using triangle-shaped tables. This single task is an applicable lesson for meeting sixth grade Common Core math standards....
Illustrative Mathematics
Morning Walk
Sometimes young algebra learners don't understand why they need to create an equation when they can just figure out the answer with it. This activity tries to encourage creating simple equations by balancing the use of more complicated...
Illustrative Mathematics
Finding an Unknown Angle
Teach your class how to apply their knowledge of geometry as they explore the unknown. In order to find an unknown angle, students must understand that rectangles have four interior right angles, that right angles have 90 degrees, and...
Illustrative Mathematics
Chocolate Bar Sales
In this real-world example, algebra learners start to get a sense of how to represent the relationship between two variables in different ways. They start by looking at a partial table of values that define a linear relationship. They...
Illustrative Mathematics
Busy Day
This activity gets at the heart of algebraic reasoning and setting up equations with one variable to solve real-world problems. The worksheet has only one problem, but it requires that learners first use their own reasoning capabilities...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Expressions Involving Variables
Sixth graders practice translating verbal expressions into algebraic expressions. In this introductory algebra instructional activity, 6th graders practice writing written/verbal sentences into algebraic expressions and vice versa....
Curated OER
Word Problems: Algebra
Students discuss algebraic symbols, equalities and unknown quantities, review sample problems and complete associated worksheets.
Curated OER
Using Proportions to Solve Problems
Skittles and math? Pupils will work as a class to determine how many orange Skittles are in a large bag by using proportions. They will problem solve, estimate, and share their thinking. Then, they will each receive a small bag of...
National Security Agency
Equations and Expressions
Learners demonstrate their knowledge pictorially, concretely, and abstractly in this unit meant to last three hours over three days. Using hands-on activities, manipulatives, real-world applications, and problem solving, learners write...
EngageNY
True and False Number Sentences II
Substitution is still the method of choice to verify number sentences. The detailed instructional activity has young mathematicians determining conditions for when number sentences are true or false through substitution. They learn to...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Using Expressions and Equations
Sixth graders analyze expressions and equations. For this algebra lesson, 6th graders write algebraic sentences and solve for an unknown in a one-step equation. This lesson uses the formulas for the perimeter of a square and rectangle as...
Curated OER
Difference of Squares
Learners analyze arithmetic statements. In this difference of squares lesson, students explore patterns and factor the difference of two squares. They compare quantities with integers. Learners model and solve equations.
Noyce Foundation
Truffles
Knowing how to scale a recipe is an important skill. Young mathematicians determine the amount of ingredients they need to make a certain number of truffles when given a recipe. They determine a relationship between ingredients given a...
Noyce Foundation
Gym
Give the class a mental work out with an assessment task in which young mathematicians compare several gym membership options. They use substitution to calculate the cost for given numbers of months.
Math Worksheets Land
Holiday Ratios
Add some holiday cheer to your math lessons with this problem-solving instructional activity. From problems comparing the number of ears and legs of Santa's reindeer, to finding the ratio of colored lights on a Christmas tree, a variety...
Curated OER
The Right Time
Middle schoolers compute and estimate using mental mathematics, paper-and-pencil methods, calculators, and computers. They measure and compare quantities using appropriate units, instruments and methods. They utilize worksheets imbedded...