My Class
8th Grade Prealgebra Students
Objective: Students will master simplifying, and evaluating algebraic expressions with variables
Learning Experience
To help students master evaluating and simplifying algebraic expressions, the learning experience will center on a “Math in the Marketplace” project. Students will take on the role of small business owners who must calculate the cost of products using variable expressions. Through guided practice, interactive group activities, and a real-world simulation, students will learn to evaluate and simplify expressions to determine total costs, profits, and discounts.
Activities will include:
A mini-lesson reviewing the steps to simplify expressions.
Hands-on practice that contains algebraic expressions.
Small-group collaboration to compare and simplify expressions
A final “market day” activity where students evaluate expressions to make pricing decisions
Context
The context for this learning experience is a real-world business simulation that helps students see how algebra is useful beyond the classroom. Many students struggle to see the relevance of algebra. Framing the lesson within a practical context helps them understand that variables and expressions represent changing real-world quantities. Students will see that simplifying expressions is not just a rule-following exercise but a skill they can use to solve everyday problems.
Introduction
Hook / Warm-Up Activity
I would open with a short story or question projected on the board:
Imagine you’re opening your own snack stand for the school carnival. You’ll be selling bags of popcorn for $2 each and bottles of lemonade for $3 each. How could you represent your total earnings if you don’t yet know how many you’ll sell?
Introduction Plan
To introduce the lesson on evaluating and simplifying algebraic expressions, I will begin with a real-world scenario called “Math in the Marketplace,” where students imagine running a snack stand at the school carnival. I’ll capture their attention by asking, “If you sell popcorn for $2 a bag and lemonade for $3 a bottle, how could you figure out your total earnings if you don’t yet know how many you’ll sell?” Using a short multimedia presentation, I will show how variables represent unknown quantities and how algebra is used in real-life business decisions. I’ll connect this to students’ prior knowledge by discussing familiar skills like multiplication and combining like terms, and I’ll model creating and evaluating an expression such as 2p + 3l. Students will then set personal goals and begin planning their own “businesses” in small groups, writing and simplifying expressions to represent their products. I will act as a “guide on the side,” providing scaffolds such as example sheets and vocabulary charts to support learning. This introduction establishes relevance, connects new content to existing knowledge, and motivates students to apply algebra in a meaningful, engaging context.
Transition to Active Learning
After the short presentation, students would form small groups. From there, they would start building their business, expressions, and presentations.
Introduction Strategies
Gaining Attention
Began with an engaging, real-world scenario (running a snack stand) to immediately capture students’ interest.
Establishing Meaningful Context
Connected algebra to real-life decision-making in a business setting.
Presenting the Whole Task
Modeled creating and evaluating a full algebraic expression (e.g., 2p + 3l).
Clarifying Purpose and Outcomes
Explained how learning to simplify and evaluate expressions helps solve real-world problems.
Activating Prior Knowledge
Encouraged students to recall familiar skills like multiplication and combining like terms.
Setting Personal Goals
Invited students to identify what they want to improve or achieve during the activity.
Connecting to Prior Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes
Linked new learning to students’ existing math understanding and confidence-building.
Presenting the Big Picture
Showed how algebra applies to real-world careers and everyday life beyond school.
Encouraging Reflection on Relevance
Asked students to consider who uses algebra in real life and why it matters.
Identifying Scaffolds
Provided learning supports such as example sheets, vocabulary charts, and teacher guidance.
Clarifying Roles and Accountability
Defined group member responsibilities and the teacher’s role as a “guide on the side.”
Orienting Learners to the Task
Used the multimedia presentation and discussion to clearly introduce the learning activity and expectations.
These strategies together ensure the introduction is purposeful, engaging, and grounded in a meaningful instructional context.
I used ChatGPT to come up with a real-world activity for my students