After factoring polynomials, my Algebra 1 students finally moved onto solving equations. Again, I approached this unit in an entirely different way this year than last year. I will post more specifics about the Do/Undo Method that I taught my students later, but I did want to get pictures of these pages posted now. If you have any questions at all, send me a message or leave a comment. And, I will do my best to write up a blog post with more details.
 |
| Algebra 1 - Unit 3 Writing and Solving Equations Table of Contents |
 |
| Equation Frayer Model |
 |
| Inverse Operations Graphic Organizer |
The notes at the bottom were my attempt at helping my students who were having trouble determining if a number was being added, subtracted, or multiplied in an equation. I don't know if it helped or not.
 |
| Do / Undo Method for Solving Equations Foldable |
 |
| Inside of Do/Undo Method for Solving Equations Foldable |
The next two pages (on solving equations with variables on both sides of the equal sign) were stolen from
Sarah at Everybody is a Genius. I did exactly as she said to. I passed out these 6 balanced scale problems to my students. It was shortly after Halloween, so I still had leftover trick or treat candy. I promised candy to the first student who could figure out all six problems. Instant engagement. That instant engagement was, of course, followed by instant frustration.
Finally, I agreed to go over the answers with my students. We discussed 1, 2, and then 4. Oh, my students were SO mad at me. I was loving every moment of this lesson! When I told them that I had lied to them at the beginning and told them all of the scales were balanced, they were not happy. In fact, they decided that I should have to give them all candy since I lied to them. That was my plan all along, of course.
 |
| Balanced Scale Problems |
 |
| Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides of the Equal Sign - Outside of Foldable |
 |
| Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides of the Equal Sign - Inside of Foldable |
|
I still had some students who were getting their steps out of order when trying to solve equations. After a quick google search, I happened upon this solving equations flowchart foldable. I was instantly in love! You can download a copy of the foldable
here from In Stillness the Dancing.
I referred to this as our flippy, flappy, foldy thing. I think this was one of our most-used foldables of the year so far. Our special education teacher loved it, too. I guess the reason why I love this so much is that it takes students step by step through the process of solving an equation. These are the same questions I would be asking a student if I was sitting by them and helping them. By giving all of my students this tool and modeling how it works, I am equipping my students to help themselves. (And, yes, my students remarked that I was WAY TOO happy about this foldable.)
 |
| Solving Equations Flowchart Foldable - Outside |
 |
| Solving Equations Flowchart Foldable - Yes Flaps |
 |
| Solving Equations Flowchart Foldable - No Flaps |
Downloadable Templates:If you are having trouble viewing the embedded files, please ensure that you have Shockwave installed. If you still cannot download the files, feel free to send me an e-mail. I would be happy to attach the files and send them to you.
Unit Table of Contents
Blank Frayer Models
Inverse Operations Graphic Organizer
Do/Undo Method of Solving Equations Foldable
Solving Equations with Variables on Both Sides of the Equal Sign Foldable
