Solving Equations (7th and 8th Grade Level)

Course Experience: Solving Equations for 7th and 8th Graders
What will be taught?
This online course will focus on teaching 7th and 8th graders the fundamentals of solving equations. The aim is to build a strong understanding of algebraic concepts and help students become confident problem solvers. By the end of the 8-week course, students will be able to solve one-step, two-step, and multi-step equations, understand variables, and grasp how to apply these skills in real-world situations.
What topics will you cover?
The course will cover the following topics:
Introduction to Equations
Understanding what an equation is.
Identifying terms, variables, coefficients, and constants.
One-Step Equations
Solving for an unknown using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Two-Step Equations
Solving equations with two operations.
Multi-Step Equations
Solving more complex equations involving multiple operations and the distributive property.
Working with Variables on Both Sides
Solving equations where the variable appears on both sides of the equation.
Word Problems Involving Equations
Translating real-world situations into algebraic equations and solving them.
Equations with Fractions and Decimals
Techniques for handling fractions and decimals in equations.
Review and Application
Reinforcing concepts through practice problems and application to more challenging scenarios.
How is your class structured?
Each class will be structured around a mix of teaching, practice, and review. The course will be broken down into:
Weekly Sessions (1-hour live class each week)
These will be live, interactive sessions where we introduce the topic of the week and go over key concepts, step-by-step.
Students will watch me work through examples, and then they’ll practice solving similar problems.
Pre-recorded Lessons
Short video lessons explaining the concept of the week, which students can watch at their own pace before the live class.
Homework and Practice Problems
After each class, students will be given practice problems to work on individually or in small groups.
The homework will focus on reinforcing what was taught during the live sessions.
Interactive Quizzes
Weekly quizzes to assess comprehension and provide immediate feedback.
Discussion Boards and Peer Collaboration
Students will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss problems with each other on the class discussion board.
How will you teach?
The teaching will be a combination of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods:
Direct Instruction:
I’ll explain key concepts through slides and examples. I will model each type of problem step-by-step and encourage active participation from the students.
Interactive Problem Solving:
During the live sessions, I’ll invite students to solve problems with me. They can type their answers in the chat, or some might be asked to solve problems live on the whiteboard.
Gamification and Rewards:
I will incorporate games (like Kahoot quizzes or timed problem-solving challenges) to make learning fun and encourage friendly competition. There will also be digital badges and certificates for completing milestones.
Group Work:
In some sessions, students will work in breakout groups to solve problems together. This promotes collaboration and allows them to learn from one another.
Visual Aids:
I’ll use slides, diagrams, and video clips to illustrate concepts. For instance, showing how to solve an equation using a balance scale analogy for one-step equations.
Real-World Applications:
I’ll frequently bring in examples from everyday life—like budgeting, distance/time problems, or cooking—where solving equations is relevant.
What's your teaching style?
My teaching style is engaging, patient, and interactive. I believe that learning should be enjoyable and accessible to everyone. I aim to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and learning from them.
Engagement: I use interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and group discussions to keep students engaged.
Patience: I understand that some students may struggle with new concepts, so I take the time to break things down into manageable steps.
Encouragement: I emphasize positive reinforcement, celebrate small wins, and encourage a growth mindset—it's okay to make mistakes as long as we learn from them.
How much will learners get to interact with you?
Students will have multiple opportunities to interact with me throughout the course:
Live Sessions:
Each week’s live class will include real-time interaction, where students can ask questions, clarify doubts, and solve problems with me. I’ll encourage students to unmute themselves and participate directly in problem-solving exercises.
Office Hours:
I will hold virtual office hours once a week for any student who needs extra help or clarification on a topic. These will be small, informal sessions where students can ask questions or work through challenging problems together.
Discussion and Collaboration:
Students will also interact with me through the course’s discussion boards, where they can post questions, share answers, or discuss concepts. I will respond daily to these posts, providing feedback and additional resources when necessary.
Weekly Quizzes and Feedback:
After each quiz or assignment, I will give personalized feedback, so students can improve on areas where they might be struggling. I’m always available to clarify anything that students don’t understand.
Interactive Games and Challenges:
I will occasionally host live math challenges (like escape room style games) or group competitions to make the learning process fun. These activities allow students to work with me in a less formal, more playful way while reinforcing key concepts.
Overall, the class will be highly interactive and supportive, designed to keep students engaged, motivated, and actively participating in their own learning process.