Curated OER
Balanced Equations
Help your math class understand variables. This activity is for a visual learner. They will use weights and a balance scale to show how the sides of an equation are equal. Worksheet is included.
CCSS Math Activities
Smarter Balanced Sample Items: High School Math – Claim 2
Problem solve across the content standards. The presentation slides provide 19 sample items from the Smarter Balanced high school assessment. Items illustrate Claim 2, problem solving, of the test and are drawn from all the high school...
Curated OER
The Cuisenaire Four-Pan Algebra Balance: Limitations and Suggestions
Students illustrate the concept of balancing equations using a Four-Pan Algebra Balance. In this balancing instructional activity, students visualize why it is necessary to add or subtract the same quantity on both sides of an equation...
Curated OER
Balancing
Students use a balance to complete subtraction problems and weigh out the items they take away. In this subtraction lesson plan, students use a pan balance and record their equations.
Curated OER
Balancing Act
In this equations worksheet, students solve one digit addition and subtraction problems and then put 2 problems on each scale that are related. Students complete 12 equations and put 8 scales together.
Curated OER
Solving One-Step Equations
Ninth graders explore the concept of a simple equation. They use addition and subtraction in one step in order to find balance to both sides of the equation. Students are encouraged to succeed using positive praise at the beginning of...
Curated OER
Using inverse Operations to Solve Equations
Fifth graders solve equations. In this algebraic equations lesson plan, 5th graders use the inverse operation to solve an equation. The teacher reminds students to perform the operation on both sides of the equation. This lesson plan...
Noyce Foundation
Boxes
Teach your class to think outside the box. Scholars use the concept of equality to solve a problem in the assessment task. They determine how to use a scale to identify the one box out of a set of nine boxes that is heavier than the others.
Curated OER
Science: Einstein's Big Idea
Students explore the various aspects of Einstein's energy equation and discover how energy is transferred from one form to another. In teams, they rotate through seven stations to experience such aspects of energy change through...
Curated OER
False Coins
In this algebra worksheet, students use a balance scale to weigh coins and identify which coin is fake. It is important to have the scale balanced like you would an equation. There is an answer key.
Curated OER
Density and Buoyancy Lesson Plan
Young scholars investigate why some objects float or sink in water. In this physics instructional activity, students calculate the density of clay ball using a mathematical equation. They write a complete lab report about the experiment.
Math Mammoth
Scales Problems
In this scales worksheet, students use addition, multiplication, and division to find out how much the shapes on the scales weigh. Students complete 8 problems total.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Illuminations: Pan Balance Numbers
Use this tool to find out if expressions are equal to each other. If the pan balance levels out then the expressions are equal.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Illuminations: Pan Balance Shapes
Use this virtual, double pan balance and explore what shapes and amounts of shape balance each other. Great introduction to beginning algebra concepts.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Nctm: Illuminations: Pan Balance Numbers
Use this tool to strengthen understanding and computation of numerical expressions and equality using a balance scale.
BBC
Bbc: Algebra Revision Bite Solving Equations
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...