LEARN NC

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

Goal 5

Algebra - The learner will demonstrate an understanding of simple algebraic expressions.

Objective 5.03

Solve simple (one- and two-step) equations or inequalities.

Resources aligned to this objective

Lesson plans on the web

Algebra in balance
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students use an interactive pan balance tool to explore algebraic expressions. They determine if algebraic expressions are equal and balance pans to solve a system of equations. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Bagel algebra
In this Illuminations lesson, a real life example taken from a bagel shop is used to get students to think about solving a problem symbolically. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Balancing algebraic understanding
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students use an interactive pan balance to practice the order of operations in simplifying numerical expressions and to demonstrate the conventions of using algebraic logic in simplifying expressions. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Beyond handshakes
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students explore triangular numbers. This exploration enhances students' ability to generalize a pattern with variables. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Birthdays and the Binary System: Exploring Binary Numbers in a Real-World Application
This lesson revolves around patterns and place value in the binary system. Students are drawn into mathematics by the “magical” ability to guess an unknown number and by the use of birthdays. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 4–6 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Everything balances out in the end
In this unit of three lessons, from Illuminations, students use a pan balance to study equality, order of operations, numerical and variable expressions and other key algebraic concepts. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–7 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
The Fibonacci series
Students explore the Fibonacci Series. They will identify the pattern among the Fibonacci numbers, look for applications of these numbers, and explore the ways that this pattern can be related to objects and shapes in both the natural and designed world. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Golden ratio
In this Illuminations lesson, students explore the Fibonacci sequence. They examine how the ratio of two consecutive Fibonacci numbers creates the Golden Ratio and identify real-life examples of the Golden Ratio. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Graphical representations for the number of hits
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students continue their exploration of the Paper Pool game by graphically analyzing data collected during several games played. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Investigating fire environments
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students consider the meaning of the term variable, both in a mathematical and an everyday sense, by considering a text-based “equation.” (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Supreme Court handshake
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students explore the handshake problem, a classic problem in mathematics that asks, “How many handshakes occur when n people shake hands with each other?” (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Which pocket?
In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from Illuminations, students continue their investigation of the Paper Pool game by discovering a rule to predict the pocket in which the ball will land. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Mathematics)
Provider: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics