Looking Through the Algebraic Lens

Add to list Go to activity
In this two-part math lesson, learners investigate problems that foster algebraic thinking across content strands. In the first part, learners explore even and odd numbers linked to quilts. Learners work with rectangles to find generalizations for adding and subtracting odd and even numbers. In the second part, learners use geoboards to construct polygons, look for patterns, and find a general rule. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Large chart paper for recording group findings
  • Paper rectangles
  • Recording sheets
  • "The Patchwork Quilt" by Valerie Flournoy
  • Geoboards
  • Rubber Bands
  • Geodot paper
  • "The Greedy Triangle" by Marilyn Burns

Keywords

Subjects

  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Patterns
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
    • Number and Operations
      • Number Systems
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving

Informal Categories

  • Literature

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, PBS, 2012

Funding Source:

  • US Department of Education