MSTP HOME | ALGEBRA 6-8 | EQUALITY
Overview: Equality
The concept of equality underlies every algebra topic mentioned in the new version of the Minnesota state standards for grades 6 to 8. One of the main stumbling blocks for students related to the concept of equality is their misunderstanding about the use of the equal sign. Students begin by viewing the equal sign as a do something symbol or that the answer comes next.
- IN THIS SESSION TEACHERS:
- Help students develop a more sophisticated understanding of the equal sign as a relational symbol that means the expressions on either side have the same value.
- Learn the benchmarks needed for children to develop relational understanding of the equal sign by working problems,
viewing videos of students working problems, and analyzing student work.
- Learn how to use true-false sentences and open-number sentences as a tool for facilitating classroom discourse.
Standards Specifically Addressed
- IN THIS SESSION TEACHERS:
- Grade 3: Use number sentences involving multiplication and division basic facts and unknowns to represent and solve real-world and mathematical problems; create real-world situations corresponding to number sentences.
- Grade 6: Use properties of arithmetic to generate equivalent numerical expressions and evaluate expressions involving positive rational numbers.
- Grade 8: Generate equivalent numerical and algebraic expressions and use algebraic properties to evaluate expressions.
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NCTM PROCESS STANDARDS:
- Problem Solving
- Communication