standard_description: Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving a real-world or mathematical problem; understand that a variable can represent an unknown number, or, depending on the purpose at hand, any number in a specified set.
problem_activity: Narrative
The purpose of this warm-up is to elicit the idea that there can be a connection between drawings and expressions, which will be useful when students interpret the numbers and symbols in an expression in relation to drawings. While students may notice and wonder many things about the image and expression, the important discussion points are that there are 3 red counters and the number 3 and that there is 1 yellow counter and the number 1.
Launch
Groups of 2
Display the image.
“What do you notice? What do you wonder?”
1 minute: quiet think time
Activity
“Discuss your thinking with your partner.”
1 minute: partner discussion
Share and record responses.
Student Facing
What do you notice?
What do you wonder?
[IMG]
Student Response
Teachers with a valid work email address can
click here to register or sign in
for free access to Student Response.
Activity Synthesis
“How many counters are there? How do you see them?” (4. I see 1 yellow  counter and 3 red counters.)
“In the next activity, we will match expressions to drawings.”


aligns: no