Big Ideas Covered
Week 10 focused on the concept and sub-concepts of algebra and the related terms and symbols. Algebra within the curriculum was also explored, in which Algebra beings in the foundation year through pattering.
The image below identifies the BIG IDEAS of Week 10.
I have always found algebra quite difficult to understand, especially in Year 11 and 12 when I studied mathematics as an elective. However, I did find Romina’s explanation of algebraic concepts and the related symbols quite simple to understand as resources were used. As a future educator, I will particularly ensure that I use a balance scale to identify the concept of equality and inequality within algebra.
Concept, Skill or Strategy
Equivalence is an important concept within algebra. For an equation to be equivalent, both sides of the equation (equal sign) must be equal. When teaching the concept of equivalence, it is important that both equivalent and non-equivalent equations are identified so that a student can identify between both.
Misconception
A misconception that a student may develop in relation to algebra is that an equal sign within an equation means to find an answer (Reys et al, 2017). However, an equal sign instead identifies a point of balance (Reys et al, 2017). This misconception may occur if a student is taught incorrect terminology (being taught to say ‘equals’ instead of ‘is equal to’). To remediate this misconception, I could clearly identify the meaning of an equal sign through using a balance scale.
ACARA + Scootle
This content descriptor relates to the concept of equivalence.
Year Level: 4
Balance The Cups is a scootle resource which could be used at both the mathematics and symbolic language stage to teach the concept of equivalence within an equation. A limitation of this resource is that the instructions are not read aloud, so a student must be able to read.
Resource or Teaching Strategy
Algebra Domino Loop Cards are a fantastic resource which could be used to develop the skill of solving an algebraic equation at the symbolic language stage. A caution that I would have when using this resource is that it be very confusing to use if a student has a limited understanding of solving algebraic equations or even using domino cards.
Concept, Skill or Strategy: Textbook
Within Reys et al, p. 496, the concept of equality is explained. A symbol which is used to represent equality within an equation is an equal sign (=) (Reys et al, 2017). When teaching the concept of equality in Year 4, I would use a balance scale and place an equal amount of blocks on each side of the balance scale.
References:
Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2015). Mathematics: Sequence of Content. Retrieved from: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/media/3680/mathematics_-_sequence_of_content.pdf
Educational Insights. (2019). Balance Scale. Retrieved from: https://www.amazon.com/stores/node/2591107011?_encoding=UTF8&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Educational%20Insights&ref_=bl_dp_s_web_2591107011
Education Services Australia. (2013). Balance The Cups. Retrieved from: http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L5974/index.html
Jamieson-Proctor, R. (2019). EDMA241, Week 7 Part 2 [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from: https://leo.acu.edu.au/mod/book/view.php?id=2406589&chapterid=190026
Jamieson-Proctor, R. (2019). EDMA241, Week 7 Part 3 [PowerPoint Slides]. Retrieved from: https://leo.acu.edu.au/mod/book/view.php?id=2406589&chapterid=190027
Reys, R., Lindquist, M., Lambdin, D., Smith, N., Rogers, A., Cooke, A., Ewing, B., Robson, K & Bennett, S. (2017). Helping Children Learn Mathematics. (2nd ed.). Milton: John Wiley & Sons.
Twinkl. (n.d.). Algebra Domino Loop Cards. Retrieved from: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-n-1464-algebra-domino-loop-cards
EDMA Reflective Journal 