Solving Equations Introduction Activity

This is a Solving Equations Introduction Activity that your elementary students will love.

The objective is for students to problem-solve to find the number of balls hidden inside boxes.

This is an activity designed for 2nd – 4th grade students. It is a cooperative partner activity.

Purpose of the lesson:

--For students to try to solve equations (disguised so they don’t “look like” equations) by problem-solving.

--For students to develop an intuitive process for solving an equation.

--For students to see solving equations in a concrete, visual way (balls and boxes) before moving to the abstract (equations without context). The activity provides a low entry point so all students can engage and increase in rigor as the lesson progresses.

As you work through each slide, you will be able to click "show solution" after time is up for students.

A printable handout is included, so students can work together to complete their drawings as they work to solve each problem.

I hope you enjoy!

Here are links to similar resources in my store:

https://teachsimple.com/product/algebra-2-word-wall

https://teachsimple.com/product/algebra-1-word-wall

Be sure to check out my storefront here: https://teachsimple.com/contributor/smith-math

I can be contacted for questions and concerns at smithmathtpt@gmail.com.   

A 4 page printable PDF

A 14 slide presentation