Summer SAVY Session 3, Day 2– Solving for the Unknown: Mathematical Problems, Patterns, and Variables
Day 2: In Solving for the Unknown, we began our day with some tricky variable puzzles. Each student worked with a partner to reveal the value of each variable in an addition puzzle on a table. Students were then challenged by creating their own addition variable puzzles. Students solved each other’s puzzles. Most students got to the deeper thinking by using their knowledge to solve multiplication variable puzzles and created their own multiplication variable puzzles. Then, students played a game called KenKen, which is similar to Sudoku, but students practice using mathematical operations in the boxes. We started with a 3 x 3 addition grid on the easy level and worked our way up to a 5 x 5 all-operation grid on the hard level. In the afternoon, we learned how to solve one-step and two-step equations using variables.
Students learned many strategies today:
- Working backward, solve-and-test
- The cover-up method
- How to isolate the variable to find the value using inverse operations
It is so fun to watch the students’ understanding of algebra develop into an understood mathematical concept. We will continue to develop our understanding of our strategies and consider the situations where they will need to depend on their logical reasoning and problem-solving to find solutions, tomorrow. Tomorrow’s lesson is called Pet Parade, so students have the option of bringing in a small stuffed animal that could be a pet.
Warm Regards,
Ms. Chelsea and Ms. Ellie