Hands-On Algebra: Word Problems - Level A

Completed by 13 learners

Ages 8-12

Live One-Time Class

Students use what they learned in Lessons 1-3 to set up algebraic equations to solve real-world problems.

Kate Hoefert

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(374 reviews)

Live video meetings

Meets once

2-6 learners per class

55 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

55 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

US Grade 3 - 6

***Students in this class should have already completed Introduction to Hands-On Algebra: Lessons 1-3 or be able to solve equations such as 3(x+5) = 42.***

When will I ever use algebra in real life?  This class will answer that question!  Now that students are familiar with how to solve simple and complex equations using hands-on strategies, they will learn to set up equations to represent real-world situations.  

Students will:
-analyze real-world situations for the unknown
-relate the other information in the situation to it the unknown
-use tape diagrams to visualize the real-world situations
-write and set up equations
-solve equations using hands-on strategies
-check answers for accuracy

Students will need the following materials for class:
-8 identical small objects (same color, same size) from around the house (suggestions: chess pawns, checkers, uncooked pasta like macaroni or bowties, bobby pins, Lego blocks)
-coins: 15 pennies, 5 nickels, and 5 dimes (preferred) OR the black cards pulled from a deck of playing cards
-printable balance mat and worksheet (uploaded by teacher)

Other Details

Supply List

-8 identical small objects (same color, same size) from around the house (suggestions: chess pawns, checkers, uncooked pasta like macaroni or bowties, bobby pins, Lego blocks)
-coins: 15 pennies, 5 nickels, and 5 dimes OR the black cards pulled from a deck of playing cards
-printable balance mat and worksheet (uploaded by teacher)

1 file available upon enrollment

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

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!