Algebra for Young Learners- A Fun, Concrete Approach (Level 2)

The Hands-on Equations program was developed by Dr. Henry Borenson as a way to give younger children access to understanding algebra concepts in a fun and concrete way. Borenson is known as the man who “made algebra child’s play.” 

Please note: Algebra for Young Learners- A Fun, Concrete Approach (Level 1) is a prerequisite for this class.

In this Level 2 class, learners will continue the process of solving algebraic equations using a physical and visual model to solve for unknown variables. We will take abstract problems and turn them into problems that are concrete and easy to understand. Learners will leave this class with the confidence needed to tackle algebra while feeling proud of their ability to solve big kid problems! 

Learners will need to come to each class with hands-on equations materials. This is an absolute must for learners to get the most benefit from this class. You can either purchase a student kit online or print and create your own materials using the provided printable handouts. Printable activities will be available upon enrollment and should be downloaded and printed prior to class if you choose not to purchase the Hands-on Equations student kit. A link to the Hands-on Equations student kit will also be provided upon enrollment. 

Level 2 of Hands-on Equations gives learners a chance to continue what they learned in Level 1 with the introduction of more complex concepts, including “star” which represents the opposite of x. Learners will use pawns and number cubes to represent algebra problems on a balance scale image. They will then simplify and solve for the unknown variable using a prescribed process. The class atmosphere will be fun and engaging for learners!

The Hands-On Equations method was designed for young learners in grades 3 and up. This class is also appropriate for highly gifted young learners (2nd grade). Learners should have a strong foundation in basic addition and subtraction and should understand multiplication and have a beginning sense of multiplication facts through 12. This is a great class for accelerated learners who need a little more from their math classes. It’s also perfect for learners in grades 3-5 who are ready to begin solving basic linear equations. Grades can be provided for learners upon request.

Week 1: Learners will solve equations using the white pawn, called “star.” They will use the same legal moves learned in Level 1 of Hands-on Equations. Learners will recognize that the blue pawn and white pawn are opposites of each other. (HOE Lesson 8 and HOE Lesson 9).

Week 2: Learners will continue exploring the process of solving linear equations using the Hands-on Equations method. Learners will use a new “legal movie” to help them solve equations. They will also learn that some algebraic equations cannot be solved by simply removing pawns. (HOE Lesson 10, HOE Lesson 11, and HOE Lesson 12).

Week 3: Learners will continue exploring the process of solving linear equations using the Hands-on Equations method. Learners will see that equations are more easily solved if the problem is first reduced to one with number cubes on only one side of the setup. (HOE Lesson 13 and HOE Lesson 14).

Week 4: Learners will continue exploring the process of solving linear equations using the Hands-on Equations method. Learners will recognize (-x) as “star,” or the white pawn. Learners will transfer the process of solving equations using the HOE materials to a pictorial system using paper and pencil. (HOE Lesson 15 and HOE Lesson 16).