per class

Hands-On Algebra: Lesson 1

Completed by 37 learners

Ages 8-12

Live One-Time Class

Students are never too young to learn the foundations of algebra with this interactive course.

Kate Hoefert

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(374 reviews)

Live video meetings

Meets once

3-8 learners per class

55 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

1 live meeting

55 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

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 introduction to algebra uses a hands-on approach that allows learners to develop a solid foundation of basic algebraic concepts.  Students will use manipulatives that they have gathered around the home to set up and solve algebraic equations.  After finding a solution, students will learn how to check their work for accuracy.  

In this lesson, students will:
-Learn how to balance an equation
-Use manipulatives to set up equations in order to solve them
-Learn how to solve equations with a single variable
-Check to see if their solution is correct
***Note: This class deals only with positive whole numbers and variables.

Learners will be provided with resources to be printed out for class.  
Other materials required for full participation in 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, 5 nickels, and 5 dimes
-printable balance mat, note sheet, and worksheet

Keep an eye out for future Hands-On Algebra classes which will cover:
-Combining like terms
-Solving equations with the distributive property
-Solving equations that include negative whole numbers and variables

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, bobby pins, Lego blocks, cotton balls)
-coins: 15 pennies, 5 nickels, and 5 dimes
-printable balance mat, note sheet, and worksheet

2 files 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!