Unit 2: Algebra
Overview
In this unit, you will use different strategies to solve problems. One mathematical way to do so is through algebra. You will learn to express word problems as formulae or equations. Then you will learn to simplify these through a range of methods such as collecting like terms. Finally, by substituting into and/or solving the equations you will find solutions to the problems.
Once you have developed the algebraic skills for solving the problems, you will be asked to apply the skills to investigate patterns. In particular, you are encouraged to follow the following steps when doing so:
Step 1: predict what the next patterns may be. One good strategy is to draw out the next few patterns.
Step 2: organise your findings in a systematic way. One good strategy is to put your observations in a table.
Step 3: use your table to come up with some general rules (term to term rule and position to term rule).
Step 4: verify (a.k.a. check) that your rules work. This can be achieved by comparing your drawings with the answers found using your rules.
Step 5: justify (a.k.a explain) why the rules work.
Whenever possible, you are encouraged to approach the common tasks using the 5 steps above.
Common Tasks
Other Activities and Resources
Assessment
In this assessment you will be assessed on Criterion A: Knowing and understanding AND Criterion B: Investigating patterns.
MYP maths objectives-Y7 A.pdfMYP maths objectives-Y7 B.pdfAssessment Checklist
To do well on this assessment you will need to do the following things:
Criterion A
Successfully solve a range of familiar and unfamiliar problems of varying degrees of difficulty.
Use words AND algebraic expressions to represent unknown numbers when solving problems.
Describe how the rules work in words.
Use the given rules to find an answer by applying the appropriate algebraic skills.
Criterion B
Successfully find rules for sequences.
Explain the rules in a detailed and accurate way, using correct mathematical language.
Support your work with tables of results and with diagrams where appropriate.
Verify (check) that your rules work by comparing your drawings with the answers found using your rules.
Justify (explain) why the rules work.
Use your rules to make predictions, and check if those predictions are correct.
End of Unit Review
To support your revision, take a look at the following tasks:
Skills based practice on Dr Frost Maths - click here to check how well you have understood the learning objectives of this unit. You are encouraged to watch the relevant video and practise any skill that you find challenging.
Practice assessment - this is particularly focused on ensuring you have understood i) the statement of inquiry, key and related concepts in relation to the unit, ii) the assessment objective/rubric, iii) key command terms required to understand the assessment and iv) ATL skills you have developed over the unit. Make a copy of and attempt the practice assessment below, the answers can be found here:
2 Algebra (A, B) practice qs.pdfUnit Reflection
Make a copy of the document below and follow the following steps for your reflection:
During the Unit
At the beginning of the unit, use the traffic light system to rate how confident you are of the learning objectives. This will help you identify what areas you need to focus on in your lessons and self-study.
Add to the "What key skills have I learnt in the unit?" box key takeaways from your lessons and self-study. You may want use this as notes at the end of each lesson.
Add to the "What key skills do I still need to work on?" box key things that you still need further practice. Make sure you include resources like videos from DrFrostMaths, CorbettMaths, MyiMaths and Eedi etc.
At the end of the unit and prior to the assessment, use the traffic light system to rate how confident you are of the learning objectives. This will help you identify what areas you need to work on for your assessment.
After the assessment
Use the second part of the document to reflect on your assessment:
Add to the "What went well?" box a reflection of the positives. Make sure this is a reflection on the mathematics, not your effort.
Add to the "What do I need to improve on?" box reflection additional things you need to do to address the gaps of knowledge shown in the assessment. Be specific about how you can address the problems. You should start with “I need to… ”
Copy and paste what you wrote in the two boxes onto your student portfolio as part of your reflection for your target.
Upload your reflection document onto your student portfolio as evidence for your reflection.
For more help with reflections, take a look at the Target Setting - Student Reflections slides.
Year 7 Unit 2- Algebra - MYP Unit Reflection Template.docx