Students use mathematical operations and relationships among them to understand mathematics Students use patterns and functions to develop mathematical power, appreciate the true beauty of mathematics, and construct generalizations that describe patterns simply and efficiently. Students work in small groups on activity cards. List arithmetic operations on the board, having students match opposites. Students will model balancing an equation by showing steps to solving a puzzle from the game. Students work with pins, clips, and lima beans to model steps to a teacher-made puzzle.
Students begin with an empty pan balance.
The goal is to get the desired outcome in the least number of steps. Different objects which are given as balancing each other, may be used as substitutions on one of the scale. Reinforce that zero is the identity for addition. Students demonstrate 2x . Distribute cups and tiles to eac group.