Magic mathlesson
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This lesson plan introduces students to algebraic concepts like variables, terms, order of operations, and inverse operations through a series of "magic math" tricks. The lesson is divided into three acts: 1) The teacher performs math tricks to stump the students, 2) The tricks are explained using algebraic concepts, and 3) Students work through additional math tricks in groups or as a class to understand the underlying reasoning. The goal is for students to see how algebra explains the "magic" and to create or analyze their own math tricks.
Magic mathlesson
- 1. Magical Math Algebra 1 Common Core Lesson N-Q.A.2 Define appropriate quantities for the purpose of descriptive modeling. A-SSE.1a Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context. ★ Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients.
- 2. Check this Genius Mouse! Or how about this Number Card Mystery….?
- 3. OVERVIEW Act 1: Stump the students with some math magic problems Act 2: Reveal the Math behind it. Act 3: Practice exposing more math tricks.
- 4. ACT 1- Stump the Students Pick any number. (If you pick a big number, you may want scratch paper or calculator) Double it. Add 9. Subtract 3. Divide by 2. Subtract your original number.
- 5. ACT 2: Reveal the MATH Give out this handout. Go through it with them step by step. Highlight the key math concepts: Variable Terms Order of Operations Additive/Multiplicative Inverses Practice a few more examples, discuss the “Why”
- 6. ACT 3 – Expose More “Magic” There are 8 “Magic Tricks” with varying difficulty linked to the Lesson Padlet. There are either in the form of a website, image, video, or flash application. Many options at this point…. In groups, students can work progressively through the tricks at a computer or on device. They would be responsible for verifying the “WHY” this trick works and proving it always will with algebra. The teacher could also copy the info from the pages and make a worksheet if needed. The class could work through them together.
- 7. Sequel? Challenge students to create their own. How could they share them? A video? A SlideShow? A image? Encourage them to find others on the web, and to bring ones into class they can’t seem to figure out. (Some of the math can get advanced… but LEARN with them!)
- 8. Assessment Options? Have them create their own problem and verify why it always works. Give them some expressions and have them explain what is happening the the “x” and how it can be simplified.