Technology and Algebra
A little insight into my life and profession

Goal: Students will become comfortable with the concept of balancing Alebraic equations. (Whatever is done to one side of an equation, must be done to the other side)

Context: This is one of the first concepts that is taught in Algebra 1.  Students immediately have to understand the fundemental concepts of solving Algebraic equations.  I believe that if a student does not understand this concept, they will have trouble with all mathematics that involves any type of Algebra, which is almost everything in high school and college.  This is why it is very important to enrich this activity with technology.  This lesson will also help the students to better visualize the process of “balancing” an equation.

1.                Prior to this lesson the students would have learned all of the algebraic concepts of solving one variable equation.  I would have a couple bell ringers before they work on their computers to help them understand how to do them.

2.                I will give the students about 10 problems on a worksheet. They will solve them by hand and check their answers using an applet found from the following link: http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_324_g_3_t_2.html (they will click on “create problem” in order to make sure they are solving the exact problem from the worksheets)…They will also write their steps for what they are doing in each equation on a separate sheet of paper…like showing their work.

3.                I would also give them about 4 word problems that relate these algebraic problems to real life.  I would expect them to set up the equation again in the same link as # 2

4.                Students will then create their own word problem and then trade with a friend to solve using the same link as #2

5.                Last the students will be given a problem and will be asked to write a word problem that fits the equation.

The worksheet is attached here: Algebra Balance Scales Worksheet