My students need hands on Pre Algebra materials, Hands-On Equations, to help them internalize the algebraic equations. Using the concept of balance scales they can visualize the problems.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Campbell's classroom raised $482
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Equations need to balance like a scale. This is easy to say and demonstrate on a toy scale; however, with out the students touching and moving the weights it is no more effective than another lecture or PowerPoint. Learning by doing is how they learn best.
Our school is almost 80% economically disadvantaged.
Many of the students come from homes where the primary language is not English. As a program improvement school the growth of every student is essential. Even with all these challenges they come to school everyday to learn. The need to present math with reality based lessons that create hands on experiences is needed for these students. As the students are able to move the balances on their individual model they will see the effect of what one side has on the opposite. As algebra becomes the focus math class in 8th grade the students need to have strong pre-algebraic understanding of the standards.
My Project
I am requesting an innovative approach to introducing students to algebraic linear equations. Students use the game pieces to physically “set up” the given algebraic equation. They then use “legal moves” to physically solve equations. This system makes algebraic linear equations accessible to all students regardless of their ability. Each student using their own "scale" will model and later move on to set up their own balanced equations. By manipulating the pieces they can solve for the unknown.
By giving me the resources to put into the hands of my 6th graders you give me the key to their understanding algebraic equations.
I am always looking to give my students hands on concrete examples of math. This is an excellent way to provide concrete examples to what an unknown variable is and how to identify it. The ability to give them individual models rather than a demonstration or large grouping can make this a great lesson, reinforcement or re-teaching hands on lab.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Campbell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
