Learning Opportunities

Algebra is much more than moving numbers and variables around or “balancing equations”. It is about relationships that are not easy to see. If we want students to know that their answer makes sense, we need them to be able to see the math in  action. When they can see it,  they can investigate algebraic relationships. So our job is to make the relationships visible.

We will look at algebra in the context of frog “jumps” and “steps” (on a number line). This model and context will allow students to see relationships, work with the Big Ideas and show the math in action.  Understanding and using algebraic thinking is the focus of this work. The answers are the bi-product.

The hard part about algebra is building an equation that represents the given problem. But students are mostly given the equations and are just asked to find an answer. So algebra appears to come out of nowhere! Then we give them a procedure to follow, so they miss out on the real study of algebra why it was invented.

Answers are important but they are not the math. The math happens on the way to the answer.

With every problem we want to answer these 4 questions:

• What does it look like?  How does it work?  Will it always work?  What do the numbers really mean? 

Some ideas we will explore:

• Change, constancy and conserving equality
• Build equations, then remain in context to solve the problems
• The difference between an expression and an equation
• Compare the algorithm to the visual solution path so that “moving numbers” gains meaning beyond a way to get answers

Please bring 3 or 4 pieces of blank paper and a pencil so that you can immerse yourself as a learner to solve some problems together.

All learning opportunities with the ERLC regional team will focus on the Alberta Education and district priority areas.