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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

The variable machine

http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L291

A lesson plan for grade 4 Mathematics

Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics


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This lesson provides an introduction to the use of variables, and develops students’ algebraic thinking. Students explore the idea of a variable as a symbol that can stand for any member of a set of numbers. The activity demonstrates how to substitute numbers for variables (letters) in order to discover unknown values.

Students learn to:

  • Represent the idea of a variable as an unknown quantity using a letter or a symbol.
  • Express mathematical relationships using equations.

    • North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

    Mathematics (2004)

    Grade 4

    • Goal 5: Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of mathematical relationships.
      • Objective 5.02: Translate among symbolic, numeric, verbal, and pictorial representations of number relationships.