Hands-On Algebra Level 1

The Hands-On Algebra course is an introduction to solving linear algebraic equations, and is a supplement to traditional mathematics coursework. Students will learn to solve equations such as
2x + x + 4 = x + 14.  Using a simple kit, students physically manipulate the components of an equation in order to find the value of the variable. In order to be successful in this course, students should have a basic understanding of the four basic operations. Students should have time to complete the work during the live meeting, but may need to finish up a few problems on their own if they are working more slowly than expected. Additional problems to work outside of class will be provided, but they are optional. The optional problem sets should take no more than 20 to 30 minutes.

Here's a breakdown of the 9 lessons:
Lesson 1: Students will be introduced to the materials and will begin to solve simple equations by applying basic knowledge of addition and subtraction using a trial and error approach. students will learn how to set up the equation using the physical materials. 
Lesson 2: Students are introduced to standard algebraic notation involving an unknown variable. The printed material uses standard algebraic notation. Example problem: 2x + x = x + 8
Lesson 3: Students are presented with more complex problems such as 4x + 2 = 3x + 9. This is more complicated and is not easily solved by simple trial and error. It is here that students are introduced to the first "legal move." That is, they learn that as long as you take the same thing away from both sides of the equation, the equation will still be balanced. By applying this new knowledge, the above problem is much easier to solve. 
Lesson 4: We review what we have learned so far, and learn to use the materials to represent word problems. We solve problems and will write word problems for others to solve.
Lesson 5:  In this lesson students learn to apply the "legal move" of taking away pawns from both sides of the equation will also work for the number cubes as well. They combine what they learned in lesson 3 to solve more advanced problems.
Lesson 6: In this lesson students take away pawns as part of the setup process. Up until now, only addition was present in the problems. 
Lesson 7: Students learn how to setup and solve an equation that involves applying the distributive property: 2(x+3)=x+8
Lesson 8: In this lesson students transfer their hand-on learning to a pictorial system using pencil and paper. The student draws a picture of the scale, and then uses triangles to represent the pawns, and boxes with numbers to represent the cubes. 
Lesson 9: This is a review lesson and we will also work some additional word problems. Modeling word problems with manipulatives makes determining the operation so much easier to understand!
Lesson 10: Review