Algebra for Young Learners- A Fun, Concrete Approach (Level 3- Flex)

This is a FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE class with NO live meetings. It is similar to the live class but is meant for learners to engage with the teacher, classmates, and class content during a 5-week flexible schedule period using the Outschool Classroom. This class is designed for learners who cannot participate in the scheduled live classes due to scheduling conflicts or learners who may be uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the live version of the class.

A note about course interactions:
All class discussions will take place in the Outschool Classroom. And, pre-recorded instructional videos, activities, handouts, and assignments will all be available in the Outschool Classroom. Each week, learners will engage in two lessons that include the following: (1) a recorded video with screen sharing and teacher commentary to work through the goals of each lesson, (2) a discussion component in which learners will engage with each other, (3) handouts with lesson information, and (4) an assignment to complete before moving to the next week. Learners will interact with each other and with the teacher through guided weekly discussions. The teacher will also provide weekly assignment feedback to learners and respond to questions or concerns.

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 2) is a prerequisite for this class.

In this Level 3 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! By the end of Level 3, learners will be solving algebraic linear equations using the written notation used in a traditional 9th grade algebra class!

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 3 of Hands-on Equations gives learners a chance to continue what they learned in Level 1 and Level 2 with the inclusion of more complex concepts, including the green number cubes which represent negative numbers. Learners will use the blue and white pawns (x and star) and the red and green 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 gain familiarity adding and subtracting positive and negative whole numbers using the red and green number cubes. Then, learners will solve simple algebraic equations using the green cubes. (HOE Lesson 17 and HOE Lesson 18).

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 to solve equations using red and green number cubes as well as pawns of one color on both sides of the equation. (HOE Lesson 19 and HOE Lesson 20).

Week 3: Learners will continue using the Hands-on Equations method to solve equations using red and green cubes and blue and white pawns. Learners will then solve equations that contain parenthetical expressions involving the green cubes. (HOE Lesson 21 and HOE Lesson 22).

Week 4: Learners will continue using the Hands-on Equations method to solve equations, focusing on subtracting parenthetical expressions. Learners will then use all pawns and number cubes to solve equations that include (-x). (HOE Lesson 23 and HOE Lesson 24).

Week 5: Learners will transfer the process of solving equations using the HOE materials to a pictorial system using paper and pencil. And finally, learners will be exposed to the written notation used to solve algebraic linear equations in a traditional 9th grade algebra class.  (HOE Lesson 25 and HOE Lesson 26).