Eating Equations

Megan Snell
1512 MAR 3

Equations

http://www.ehow.com/list_5858466_fun-math-activities-grade-5.html

Algebraic Equations
Once a student has understood the basic idea of multiplication, fifth grade students begin to learn more complex equations like multiplying with two or three digits, as well as a very basic introduction to algebraic equations using the principles of multiplication and division. Jelly Beans are an inexpensive tool to use in introducing algebraic equations to a student, as well as help them visualize what the question is asking them. Give each child 10 to 15 jelly beans so they may use them for a variety of examples. For instance in the equation X+3=6, tell each child to gather together six beans to the center of their table to begin solving for "X." Tell students to make a pile of three jelly beans to represent the three in the equation, and determine how many are left to make for the "X." They will see that three are left over, thus making the answer to the equation X=3. Use this technique many times until students get a hang of the concept.
* What introductory information is necessary for children to have prior to starting this activity?
Students would need to have strong skills in addition and subtraction before starting this activity.
* What grade level/s is appropriate for this activity? Please use appropriate justification for your answers here.
This activity is geared toward 5th graders, but I think that since it is merely introducing equations, a student who has strong math skills in 3rd or 4th grade could participate in this activity.
* How will you engage students with different learning styles?
This activity would be great for kinesthetic & visual learners, because they see the problem and are able to manipulate it themselves. I would add an element for the auditory learners- I would explain the problem first, before the jelly beans are passed out. For vary academic levels, I would use mixed- ability groups so that students could learn from one another.
* How does this activity connect to the real world for students?
By understanding equations, students will be able to solve problems when they are missing a variable.
* Why is this activity with its concepts important for student learning? Be specific.
This activity is important for student learning, so that they can eventually master equations. This is a basic activity, an introductions activity, so the students should understand this activity, before moving on to more difficult or advanced equations.



* What are your comments on this activity? Would you use it in your classroom?

I like this activity because it involves food. I was not able to teach this activity to students, but I think that they would enjoy it because they aren’t filling out a worksheet, or doing problems on the board. I would use this in my classroom to introduce equations. I hope that by starting out with a fun activity like this, that it would jump start the students into enjoying and understanding equations.

MN Standard
5th grade Algebra
Understand and interpret equations and inequalities involving variables and whole numbers, and use them to represent and solve real-world and mathematical problems. 5.2.3.1 Determine whether an equation or inequality involving a variable is true or false for a given value of the variable.

For example: Determine whether the inequality 1.5 + x < 10 is true for
x = 2.8, x = 8.1, or x = 9.2.
5.2.3.2 Represent real-world situations using equations and inequalities involving variables. Create real-world situations corresponding to equations and inequalities.

For example: 250 – 27 × a = b can be used to represent the number of sheets of paper remaining from a packet of 250 sheets when each student in a class of 27 is given a certain number of sheets.
5.2.3.3 Evaluate expressions and solve equations involving variables when values for the variables are given.

For example: Using the formula, A= ℓw, determine the area when the length is 5, and the width 6, and find the length when the area is 24 and the width is 4.