Topic: Solving Simple Equations Using Cooperative Learning

Grade Level Category: 7-12

Strategies: Observation and Checklist

Obectives Being Assessed and/or Purposes for the Assessment:
Solving equations with one or more transformations. Applying the distributive property. Solving equations with variables on both sides of the equation.
Observe the students working in groups and mark any actions that are seen on the checklist form.

Materials Required: Description of the Activity:
Have the students break into groups of four or less. Each student has a worksheet for the equations being solved and the step grid sheet. Each student writes the first equation under problem A on the step grid sheet and does the first process in solving the equation beside step 1 on the step grid sheet. Then they pass their step grid sheet to the left (or right) and do the next process to solve the equation in step two on the step grid sheet. This process continues until the equation is solved. The students should be checking their neighbors works to make sure that it is correct. When the first equation is done, then do the second equation the same way. Continue this until all the equations on the worksheet are done.

Reproducible Pages: Scoring Rubric:
See Attached Copy

Extension:
This activity would work with any kind of problem that takes more than one step to solve it. I got the step grid sheet from an elementary teacher.

Management Tips:
I graded the group work on a rubric which, depending on their score, would raise their end of the nine-weeks percentage. This seemed to motivate them to do the activity and stay on task.

References of Sources:
Taylor, Harold and Loretta Taylor. (1984). Developing Skills in Algebra One. Book A, p. 76. Palo Alto, CA: Dale Seymour Publications.
Step Grid Sheet, aquired from Dr. Alan Zollman.
Observation Form adapted from a handout from ASPECT class.



Return to the ASPECT Homepage.