Middle School Math: Solving One Step Equations with Rational Numbers

LESSON: ONE_STEP EQUATIONS PUZZLE GAME

GRADE LEVEL: MIDDLE SCHOOL

TIME FRAME: 1 HOUR

OBJECTIVE:

o The learner will work to solve one-step equations with rational numbers.

o The learner will solve equations that include decimals fractions, to solve for x.

MATERIALS:

o Scissors

o Zip lock bags

o Construction paper and glue

o Optional: lamination for storage and reuse. If you choose this, construction paper and glue will not be needed, as they will not glue the pieces to construction paper.

o Print out of puzzle for the instructor as an answer sheet.

PREPARATION:

Students will be working in pairs to complete the equations puzzle, which requires students to solve one-step equations with rational number. Place students in teams of two. Duplicate enough copies for each team to have one puzzle. Cut out the puzzle pieces and place them into a Ziplock bag.

Optional: You may laminate the puzzle pieces for reuse if you choose to keep the pieces to use one year to the next. However, you will not need construction paper and glue if lamination is chosen.

INTRODUCTION: (20 minutes)

Ask students what constitutes an equation.

Answer: An equation says that two things are equal, and may contain two or more variables.

Ask students what constitute a rational number.

Answer: A number that you can put into fraction such a decimal, fraction, percent or whole number.

Review how to work through a one-step equation using the following equations:

• 5x=80 Answer (16)

• x+-20=17 Answer: (37)

• x-(-10)=-10 Answer: (-20)

• x-4 1/3=2 2/3 Answer: (7)

HELPFUL VIDEO: (10 minutes)

Helpful Youtube video links included.

TEAM ACTIVITY: (30 minutes)

Provide each team with a puzzle in a Ziplock bag. Provide students 15-30 minutes to solve the equations and place the puzzle together. You may even encourage a competition to see which groups can complete the puzzle first providing prizes to first place, second place, and third place. Once they have the puzzle completed, have them glue it to a piece of construction paper if you have not chosen to laminate the game pieces for reuse.

CLOSURE / EVALUATION: (20 minutes)

Using an overhead projector or smart board projector that will display the puzzle pieces, work with the class to solve the puzzle. Students will check their answers.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY/HOMEWORK

Give students a blank chart and allow them to create a puzzle for that they can give to another group/student to complete. Make sure the student keeps a copy of the puzzle to act as the answer sheet.

TEACHER’S ANSWER SHEET

Each puzzle has the answers in itself before being cut into puzzle pieces. The equations on the outer edges of the puzzle will not have answers to match. This makes the puzzle more challenging

Disclaimer:

One purchase is for the use of one teacher. If additional teachers would like to use this product, please purchase additional licenses.