$12

weekly

or $48 for all content

Hands-On Algebra: Level a - SP

Completed by 9 learners

Ages 8-11

Self-Paced Class

In this 4-lesson course, students learn the basics of algebra in an interactive and fun way.

Kate Hoefert

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(374 reviews)

4 pre-recorded lessons

4 weeks of teacher support

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1 year of access to the content

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About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons

4 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 5

Who knew that algebra could be fun? That equations could be solved without a paper and pencil?  Join me for an interactive and engaging introduction to algebra, appropriate for learners in grades 3 - 5.

This 4-class introduction to algebra uses a hands-on approach that allows learners to develop a solid foundation of basic algebraic concepts.  In each lesson, students will use manipulatives that they have gathered around the home (no need to buy special math kits, yay!) to set up and solve algebraic equations.  After finding a solution, students will learn how to check their work for accuracy.  Students will begin with basic equations with a single variable and work their way up to solving complex equations.

Class 1: Solving Basic Equations
-What is an equation?
-How do we keep an equation balanced?
-What is a variable?
-How do we find the value of x?
-How do we check our solution?

Class 2: Combining Like Terms
-What are like terms?
-How can we simplify an equation by combining like terms?

Class 3: The Distributive Property
-What is the Distributive Property?
-How can we solve an equation using the Distributive Property? 

Class 4: Evaluating Expressions and Equations
-Students use a given value of x to find the value of expressions and to determine if equations are balanced
-Students play a fun Blooket game to practice their algebra skills

Learners will be provided with resources that will need to be printed out for each class.  

Other materials required for the class are:
-8 identical objects (same color, same size) from around the house (suggestions: chess pawns, checkers, uncooked pasta like macaroni or bowties, bobby pins, Lego blocks, cotton balls)
-coins: 15 pennies, 10 nickels, and 5 dimes
***I suggest keeping the materials together in a zip top bag for the duration of the class so students have them readily available.***

For each class, students will:
-receive instruction through video instruction and sample problems with explanations of solutions
-participate in class discussion about a focus question
-complete practice problems using Nearpod
-complete lesson assessments to be submitted for teacher feedback
-create a problem of their own for other students to solve, along with uploading a video explanation of them solving it
-have the teacher available for questions and feedback through Outschool messaging

Syllabus

4 Lessons

over 4 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Solving Basic Equations

 In Lesson 1, learners explore these questions:
-What is an equation?
-How do we keep an equation balanced?
-What is a variable?
-How do we find the value of x?
-How do we check for our solution?

Lesson 2:

Combining Like Terms

 In Lesson 2, learners explore these questions:
-What are like terms?
-How can we simplify an equation by combining like terms?

Lesson 3:

The Distributive Property

 In Lesson 3, learners explore these questions:
-What is the Distributive Property?
-How can we solve an equation using the Distributive Property?

Lesson 4:

Evaluating Expressions and Equations

 In Lesson 4, learners use a given value of x to find the value of expressions and to determine if equations are balanced.

Other Details

Supply List

-8 identical objects (same color, same size) from around the house (suggestions: chess pawns, checkers, uncooked pasta like macaroni or bowties, paper clips, Lego blocks, cotton balls)
-coins: 15 pennies, 10 nickels, and 5 dimes
-printable balance mat and resource sheets (provided by teacher)

6 files available upon enrollment

External Resources

In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:

Google Slides
Quizziz

Meet the teacher

Kate Hoefert

Joined January, 2021

4.9

374reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Maryland Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education

Eighteen years as a public school teacher in Maryland and two years as an Outschool teacher have provided me the opportunity to teach learners from diverse backgrounds with a variety of learning styles.  I began my teaching career in elementary school, teaching all subjects and earning my Masters of Education with a certificate in Gifted Education from Johns Hopkins University.  Later, I added both Middle School Math: 6-9 and ESOL Pre-K-12 certifications to my professional certificate.  Most recently, I taught middle school math, working with both accelerated students and those with Special Education needs.  Because of my varied experiences, I have many strategies to help all kinds of learners.

Math is my passion because while there may only be one correct answer, there are often many different ways to solve the same problem.  Exploring those different ways and finding a method of solving with which each learner feels most confident is what I love to do.  I like to incorporate hands-on strategies, games, and interactive activities into my lessons to make math less scary for reluctant mathematicians and more engaging for everyone.

When I’m not thinking about math, I enjoy baking, cake decorating, drawing, working in my vegetable garden, and sewing.  In my spare time, I can be found hiking, kayaking, bird watching, doing a puzzle, or assembling furniture.  I look forward to meeting your learner!