Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: Balancing Scales to Solve Equations

For Students 6th - 8th
Predict the number of blocks you need to equal the weight of one bag and then test your theory. This interactive exercise focuses on using critical thinking skills to add and subtract items on the scales to achieve balance and visual...
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: Linear Equations in One Variable

For Students 6th - 8th
Visualize solutions to one variable equations by performing a balancing act. This interactive exercise focuses on linear equations and mathematical reasoning to show how one variable equations need to stay balanced to be solved correctly...
Article
Khan Academy

Khan Academy: One Step Multiplication & Division Equations

For Students 4th - 8th Standards
Based on our understanding of the balance beam model, we know that that to keep a true equation, we always have to do the same thing to both sides of an equation. But how do we know what to do to both sides of the equation? Learn to...
Interactive
Math Is Fun

Math Is Fun: Balance When Adding and Subtracting

For Students 3rd - 8th
An interactive scale shows you how to deal with numbers and variables when solving simple algebraic equations.
Activity
BBC

Bbc: Algebra Revision Bite Solving Equations

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
BBC Schools offers a test review ("revision") of several aspects of solving equations. Content includes solving simple equations, solving equations with brackets, simplifying letters in equations, plus much more. After working through...
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Math Slice

Math Slice: Balance Weights

For Students 6th - 8th
This resource allows students to practice balancing weights where students determine what weight is missing to make things balance. There are ten problems with instant feedback and an opportunity to practice again.
Activity
Free Math Help

Free Math Help: Introduction to Algebra

For Students 9th - 10th
An explanation of algebra and equations that emphasizes how easy it is to learn the basics. The concept of balancing equations is looked at in detail. This page can be used by teachers in lesson planning or by students who seem to be...
Unit Plan
Shmoop University

Shmoop: Basic Algebra: Solving One Step Equations

For Students 9th - 10th
Students learn how to solve one-step equations. The tutorial explores the algebra concept through notes, examples, and practice exercises.
Activity
Math Is Fun

Math Is Fun: Introduction to Algebra

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
How is algebra like solving a puzzle? What is a variable? This simple introduction to algebraic equations offers examples of how to solve for "x" and how to balance equations. Follow a link to a "Simple Algebra Worksheet" when you're...
Activity
Math Is Fun

Math Is Fun: Introduction to Algebra: Multiplication

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
How do you solve for a variable that is multiplied by another number in an algebraic equation? Find the answer to this question and see examples showing how to solve other types of algebra "puzzles."
Lesson Plan
Lesson Tutor

Lesson Tutor: Balancing One Step Equations

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
The lesson plan provided here gives a step-by-step set of instructions for balancing an equation in order to find the value of the unknown variable. After two examples are worked through, 10 practice problems are given, as well as their...
Graphic
Wyzant

Wyzant: Basics of Equations

For Students 9th - 10th
This tutorial from WyzAnt contains a walk-through of the basics of solving algebraic equations. Examples are given and the tutorial ends with an interactive worksheet that contains an answer key.
Lesson Plan
Better Lesson

Better Lesson: Introduction to Solving Equations

For Teachers 6th Standards
Sixth graders work with the concept of equality and balance to solve one and two-step algebraic equations.
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: The Art of Math

For Students 6th - 8th
Investigate a situation where math plays an important role in art. This video focuses on the equation to calculate the correct weights and distances of the components necessary to balance a mobile. This video was submitted through the...
Unit Plan
CK-12 Foundation

Ck 12: Elem Math: Add and Subtract to 100 Mixed Operations and Word Problems

For Students 2nd - 4th Standards
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This is a set of practice problems where students solve addition and subtraction problems in order to determine missing numbers to keep the equation balanced. When...
Lesson Plan
Scholastic

Scholastic: Solving the Unknown With Algebra

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers will learn and reinforce skills for solving for unknowns, manipulating equations while keeping them in balance, using formulas to solve real-world challenges, and working with proportions, radicals and exponents.
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Math Slice

Math Slice: Heavy Slice Special Test

For Students 3rd - 8th Standards
A concise test for assessing number sense using weights and scales. Assessment is scored online offering students immediate feedback. Can be used for a quick assessment.
Interactive
Doina Popovici

Math Play: Balance the Addition Equation Math Racing Game

For Students K - 1st
Use your quick thinking and addition math skills to play this math racing game.
Activity
Other

Propiedades De La Igualdad

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
In Spanish. Examples and practice problems on balancing simple, one variable equations.
Website
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Solving an Equation for a Missing Value

For Students 3rd - 8th
The CyberSquad solves a number puzzle to help save Motherboard in this video segment from Cyberchase.
Activity
Mr. Martini's Classroom

Mr. Martini's Classroom: Equivalent Addition Problems: Fill in the Blank

For Students K - 1st Standards
Students choose the correct number to balance the addition equation and create an equivalent sum.
Graphic
Curated OER

Balance

For Students 3rd - 5th
This is a great place for lesson information on the concept of equations. Three other tabs are available besides the -What Is It? tab. They are: Tips and Tricks, When Students Ask, and Lesson Ideas. Each tab has just the right amount of...
Graphic
Curated OER

Balance

For Students 3rd - 5th
This is a great place for lesson information on the concept of equations. Three other tabs are available besides the -What Is It? tab. They are: Tips and Tricks, When Students Ask, and Lesson Ideas. Each tab has just the right amount of...
Graphic
Curated OER

Balance

For Students 3rd - 5th
This is a great place for lesson information on the concept of equations. Three other tabs are available besides the -What Is It? tab. They are: Tips and Tricks, When Students Ask, and Lesson Ideas. Each tab has just the right amount of...