| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | Mathematics |
| What topic | Solving equations |
| What length (min) | 30 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 8 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 5 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Mathematics
Solving Equations
Year 8
30 minutes
20 Students
| Step Number | Step Title | Length | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Equations | 5 min | Briefly explain the concept of equations, including definitions of variables and constants. Use an example to illustrate. |
| 2 | Guided Practice | 10 min | Work through several examples of solving equations step-by-step. Encourage student participation and questions. |
| 3 | Activity: Printable Cards | 5 min | Distribute printable cards to students. Explain how they will use the cards to write down their equations and steps to solve them. |
| 4 | Independent Practice | 5 min | Students will work independently or in pairs to solve equations using the cards they filled out earlier. Move around to assist as needed. |
| 5 | Collect/Check Work | 3 min | Randomly check student cards or collect them for review. Ensure students understand that this is for feedback. |
| 6 | Homework Assignment | 2 min | Explain the homework task briefly. Distribute homework sheets without requiring presentations from students. |
Wrap up the lesson by reiterating the importance of understanding how to solve equations and encourage students to ask questions if they're unclear on any points before the homework is assigned.
“Good morning, class! Today, we’re going to dive into an important topic in mathematics: solving equations. Can anyone tell me what an equation is?
Pause for student responses.
“Great! An equation is a mathematical statement that shows the equality between two expressions. It usually includes variables, which are symbols that represent unknown values. For example, in the equation ‘2x + 3 = 11’, ‘x’ is the variable. Does anyone know what a constant is?”
Pause for student responses.
“Exactly! A constant is a value that doesn’t change. In our example, both ‘3’ and ‘11’ are constants. Now, if we want to find out what ‘x’ is, we need to solve the equation. Let’s move on to how we do that!”
“Now, let’s work through a few examples together. I’ll start with a simple equation: ‘x + 5 = 12’.
Write the equation on the whiteboard.
“To isolate ‘x’, what should I do first?”
Encourage students to participate.
“That’s right! I’ll subtract 5 from both sides of the equation. So we have ‘x + 5 - 5 = 12 - 5’. What does that give us?”
Wait for student responses.
“Exactly! ‘x = 7’. Now, let’s try another equation together: ‘3x = 15’. What should we do here?”
Guide students through the steps to solve by asking questions and prompting them to explain their thinking.
“Fantastic! We divide both sides by 3, and we find that ‘x = 5’. Remember, it’s important to check your work to confirm that your solution is correct. Let’s see if anyone has questions about our examples before we start the next activity.”
“Okay, everyone! Now it’s time for a fun activity. I’m going to hand out printable cards to each of you.
Distribute the cards.
“On these cards, I want you to write down the equations we just solved, as well as the steps you took to arrive at your answers.
“I’ll give you a few minutes to complete this, and remember, use the space on the card as creatively as you like! You can even add drawings or annotations to help you remember the process. Ready? Go!”
“Now that you’ve filled out your cards, it’s time to practice on your own or with a partner. I’ll give you a few equations to solve using your cards.
Write new equations on the whiteboard.
“Again, remember to write down each step as you go. I’ll be walking around the room to help if you have any questions or if you get stuck. Let’s get started!”
Walk around and assist students as necessary.
“Okay, time’s up! Now, I’d like to see how you did. I will randomly check some of your cards to provide feedback—this isn’t for a grade, but simply to help you understand where you can improve.
“Those of you whose cards I check, please be ready to explain your steps to me. It’s important to communicate your thought process.”
“Before we finish, let’s talk about your homework assignment.
Distribute the homework sheets.
“I want you to practice solving a set of equations at home. Make sure to show your work just like we did in class today. If you have any questions while you’re doing the homework, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or ask in the next lesson.
“Does anyone have any last questions before we wrap up?”
Pause for any final questions.
“Fantastic work today, everyone! Remember, solving equations is a vital skill in mathematics. I encourage you to keep practicing, and I look forward to seeing your homework!”
Define an equation in your own words. What are the key components of an equation?
Identify the variables and constants in the following equation: (4y - 7 = 21).
Solve the equation (x + 8 = 15). Show each step of your working.
What operation do you need to perform to isolate (x) in the equation (2x = 10)? Solve the equation and show your work.
If you have the equation (6 = 2m + 10), how would you solve for (m)? Write down each step.
Check your solution for the equation (3a - 5 = 10). What value do you find for (a)?
In your own words, explain why it’s important to check your work when solving equations.
Create an equation from a real-life scenario (e.g., buying items with a set budget) and solve it. Show your steps clearly.
Solve the equation (5x + 2 = 17) and explain your reasoning at each step.
Choose one of the equations you solved during class or in your homework and illustrate the steps you took with annotations or drawings.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is an equation? | |
| What role do variables play in an equation? | |
| Can you give an example of a constant from the equation ‘2x + 3 = 11’? | |
| How do you isolate ‘x’ in the equation ‘x + 5 = 12’? | |
| What do we get when we solve the equation ‘3x = 15’? | |
| Why is it important to check your work after solving an equation? | |
| What steps should you write down when solving an equation on your card? | |
| How do you feel about solving equations on your own or with a partner? | |
| What were some of the equations we solved together in class today? | |
| What will your homework assignment involve in regards to solving equations? |