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6th Grade Math, Equations & Expressions.wavCreated with Google's Notebook LM experiment, this podcast may contain discrepancies. Educators should use their expertise to evaluate and adapt the content to their needs.
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Unplugged
Flowcharts for Algebraic Expressions
Students work in small groups to create flowcharts that break down the steps for evaluating algebraic expressions. Each group is tasked with illustrating how to solve problems like "Evaluate 5 - y when y = 3." They design a flowchart that guides users through the steps of substituting the variable, performing the operation, and arriving at the solution. As students build their flowcharts, they also practice identifying key parts of the expressions, such as terms and coefficients.
By the end of the lesson, each group presents their flowchart, explaining how it simplifies the process of solving algebraic expressions, while fostering collaboration and computational thinking skills like abstraction and decomposition.
Objective:
Students will use flowcharts to break down and illustrate the process of solving algebraic expressions.
Materials Needed:
Paper and markers for creating flowcharts
Pre-printed examples of algebraic expressions
Steps:
Introduction:
Start by discussing how algebraic expressions can be evaluated through step-by-step procedures.
Explain that today they will build flowcharts to visually represent these steps.
Group Activity:
In small groups, students choose algebraic expressions to evaluate, identifying operations and variables.
They then create a flowchart to show how to solve the expression.
Presentation and Discussion:
Groups present their flowcharts, explaining the importance of breaking down complex problems.
Lead a discussion on how flowcharts can help organize mathematical thinking.
Equity and Access:
Provide example flowcharts and simplified expressions for students who may need additional guidance.
Real-World Application:
Discuss how flowcharts are used in various fields, such as computer programming, to simplify and explain complex tasks.
CS Practice(s):
Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students decompose the task of solving algebraic expressions into manageable steps.
Standard(s):
CA CCSS Mathematics 6.EE.2
CA CS 6-8.AP.10
Plugged
Plugged
Using Spreadsheets to Analyze Algebraic Expressions
Students use Google Sheets to explore the relationships between variables in algebraic expressions. Working in pairs, they input algebraic expressions into a spreadsheet, such as "V = s³" for calculating volume or "A = 6s²" for surface area of a cube. The spreadsheet automatically calculates the values when different numbers are substituted for the variables. Students analyze how changing the values of the variables affects the outcome, creating charts to visually represent their results.
By working with spreadsheets, students not only develop a deeper understanding of algebraic expressions but also explore how data can be represented in multiple ways using computational tools.
Objective:
Students will use spreadsheets to input and evaluate algebraic expressions, and represent the results using tables and charts.
Materials Needed:
Computers with Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, or other spreadsheet software
Algebraic expression formulas (e.g., V = s³, A = 6s²)
Steps:
Introduction:
Introduce how spreadsheets can be used to evaluate algebraic expressions by inputting values and generating automatic calculations.
Group Activity:
In pairs, students enter algebraic formulas into a spreadsheet.
They manipulate the variable values and observe the changes in results.
Visualizing Data:
Students create graphs from the data generated, such as bar graphs or line charts, to represent the relationships between variables.
Presentation and Discussion:
Groups present their charts, explaining the impact of changing variable values and the usefulness of representing data visually.
Equity and Access:
Offer pre-formatted spreadsheets and templates for students with less experience using digital tools. Pair students with varying skill levels.
Real-World Application:
Connect the lesson to how data representation in spreadsheets is widely used in businesses, science, and other industries to analyze trends and solve problems.
CS Practice(s):
Creating Computational Artifacts: Students use spreadsheets as a tool to calculate and display relationships between variables in algebraic expressions.
Standard(s):
CA CCSS Mathematics 6.EE.2
CA CS 6-8.DA.8
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