Content/Topic:

6th Grade Math - Solving Equations Learning Menu, a sense-making supplement

SOL: 6.18 The student will solve one-step linear equations in one variable involving whole number
coefficients and positive rational solutions.
Unit Objectives:
As a Result of completing the assignments on this menu, students will:

Course objective is assessed:

Students will understand that...

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equations exist to establish balance in a relationship.

Bruschetta Balancing Act

there are rules that must be followed when solving equations.

Oregano Chicken Ordering Cards

Students will know that...

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variables represent unknown quantities.

Bruschetta Balancing Act

Shrimp Alfredo Algebra Tiles
Oregano Chicken Ordering Cards
Pepperoni Pizza Problems
Tiramisu Teacher

the order of operations to correctly simplify expressions is:

parentheses, exponents, multiplication/division,
addition/subtraction

Oregano Chicken Ordering Cards

Pepperoni Pizza Problems
Cannoli calculator Check
Chocolate Challenge
Tiramisu Teacher

Students will be able to...

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identify and use the following algebraic terms appropriately:

equation, variable, expression, term, coefficient

Spiced Olives Organizer

Roasted Potatoes Poster
Broccoli Soup BrainPop
Salad Bar

determine the missing value in an equation.

Bruschetta Balancing Act

Shrimp Alfredo Algebra Tiles
Oregano Chicken Ordering Cards
Pepperoni Pizza Problems
Cannoli calculator Check
Chocolate Challenge
Tiramisu Teacher

set up and solve equations from real-world problems.

Bruschetta Balancing Act

Pepperoni Pizza Problems
Carrot Cake Cartoon

APPETIZER
Appetizer Description

Focus/Uniting Idea

Bruschetta Balancing ActStudents will watch a

video
of a tightrope walker and we will talk about how
he maintained balance. They will see that he needs to have the same
amount of weight on each side of the pole in order to stay balanced.
Students will then begin the Bruschetta Balancing Act worksheets. This is
take the idea of equally weighted to equal expressions. Students will be
solving equations without even knowing it!

Balance- taking the concept of

balance and applying this idea to
begin conceptualizing equations

MAIN DISHES:
Main Dish Description

Objective

Notes

Materials/Resources

Shrimp Alfredo Algebra

Tiles-
Students will practice
solving equations by using
algebra tiles to model
them. As they manipulate
the chips, they are
instructed to translate this
to the algebraic steps that
one would use to solve for
the variable.

Students will know that

variables represent
unknown quantities.

This activity allows students

to work with manipulatives,
an important aid for visual
and kinesthetic learners.

Red/White algebra
tiles

Oregano Chicken Ordering

Cards-
Students will be
given a table containing
four equations, the steps to
solve them, and the
solutions. The only
problem is that they are
mixed up. Students will cut
up the table, reorder the
strips, and paste them to on
a separate sheet of paper.

Students will understand

that there are rules that
must be followed when
solving equations.

Students will be able to

determine the missing
value in an equation.

Students will know that

variables represent
unknown quantities.
Students will be able to
determine the missing
value in an equation.

Handout

An example is provided to
allow students to
understand what is
expected of them.

Two versions were created.

One has extra strips that
are common student errors.
This version will be given to
students who display a
higher readiness in
algebraic thinking.
By providing the steps and
correct vocabulary to
students, English Language
Learners will be given the
opportunity to visually see
the steps they are doing
through descriptions.

Scissors
Construction paper
Glue sticks
Handout

Pepperoni Pizza ProblemsStudents will practice

problem solving by finding
the solution of 4 practical
scenarios. Students are
expected to translate the
world problem into an
equation.

Students will know

variables represent
unknown quantities.

These problems can all be

solved as expressions first
before thinking about the
actual equations.

Handout

Students will know that

the order of operations to
correctly simplify
expressions is:
parentheses,
exponents,
multiplication/division,
addition/subtraction
Students will be able to
determine the missing
value in an equation.
Students will be able to set
up and solve equations
from real-world problems.

SIDE DISHES
Side Dish Description

Objective

Notes

Materials/Resources

Spiced Olives OrganizerStudents will create an

organizer that includes all
of the new equation
vocabulary. They will
provide definitions and
examples.

Students will be able to

identify and use the
following algebraic terms
appropriately:
equation, variable,
expression, term,
coefficient

Students have freedom in

what product they want to
create and this will appeal
to all types of learners.

Varies depending on
product.

Roasted Red Potatoes

Poster-
Students will
outline the different parts
of an equation. They will
clearly label the different
parts with highlighters/
colored pencils.

Students will be able to

identify and use the
following algebraic terms
appropriately:
equation, variable,
expression, term,
coefficient.

This appeals to artistic

students because they are
able to create their
masterpiece by uniquely
dissecting the different
parts of the equation and
using fun colors.

1 blank sheet of
paper

Broccoli Soup BrainPopStudents will watch a

BrainPop video and then
complete the
accompanying worksheet.

Students will be able to

identify and use the
following algebraic terms
appropriately:
equation, variable,
expression, term,
coefficient

Students who are auditory

or visual learners will
appreciate hearing the
information in a different
format than a lecture.

iPads

Salad Bar -
Students will
develop their own activity
to explore equations
vocabulary.

Students will be able to

identify and use the
following algebraic terms
appropriately:
equation, variable,
expression, term,
coefficient

Students will be able to

choose the vocabulary
activity that meets their
individual interests or
learning style.

Varies depending on
activity.

Handout

DESSERTS
Dessert Description

Objective

Notes

Materials/Resources

Carrot Cake CartoonStudents will create a story

about a variable finding its
value. This will be done in
the form of a comic strip.

Students will be able to set

up and solve equations from
real-world problems.

This activity captures

artistic students attention
who enjoy developing a
creative story with visuals.

Drawing tools

Tiramisu TeacherStudents are provided with

examples of sample
solutions, some are
incorrect. They are
expected to determine if
the solution is correct and
fix the mistakes if it is not.

Students will know that

variables represent
unknown quantities.

Students who are leaders

or want to become
teachers will enjoy this
activity.

Handout

Students will know that the

order of operations to
correctly simplify
expressions is:
parentheses, exponents,
multiplication/division,
addition/subtraction
Students will be able to
determine the missing value
in an equation.

Handout

Cannoli Calculator CheckStudents will be given

equations to solve. They
need to use PEMDAS to
correctly answer the
problems. They will then
check their work with a
calculator. If their answers
do not match, they must
determine where they
made a mistake.

Students will know that the

order of operations to
correctly simplify
expressions is:
parentheses, exponents,
multiplication/division,
addition/subtraction

This activity is a refresher

of the Order of
Operations and does not
require students to solve
an equation.

Students will be able to

determine the missing value
in an equation.

Students who are

struggling with equations
may appreciate this step
back to build a stronger
foundation in algebra.

Chocolate ChallengeStudents are shown a

diagram of PEMDAS and
SADMEP (PEMDAS
backwards). They are asked
to figure out what the
diagram is trying to show.

Students will know that the

order of operations to
correctly simplify
expressions is:
parentheses, exponents,
multiplication/division,
addition/subtraction

This activity requires

students to think
abstractly, so those who
are seeking more
challenging work will
enjoy trying to solve this
puzzle.

Calculator
Handout

Handout

A hint is included for

students who need a little
more structure.
Dessert Bar-
Students will
plan their own activity to
further explore equations.

Varies depending on activity.

This activity can be a

challenge for the students
who need it.
This may also be a helpful
choice for the students
who are struggling to fill
in the individual learning
gaps they may have.

Varies depending on
activity.

Rubric for Exquisite Equations Menu

3 Points

2 Points

1 Point
(Redo)

0 Points
(Redo)

Mathematical
Correctness

There are no
errors in the
math used in the
tasks.

There are 1 or 2
errors in the
math used in the
tasks.

There are several

errors in the
math used in the
tasks.

There are many

errors in the
math used in the
tasks.

Explanation/
Understanding

Thoroughly and
accurately
explains algebraic
thinking.

Accurately
explains algebraic
thinking.

Explains algebraic
thinking but lacks
detail.

Does not explain

algebraic
thinking.

Mathematical
Correctness

There are no
errors in the
math used in all 3
tasks.

2 out of the 3
tasks are correct.

1 out of the 3
tasks are correct.

There are several

errors in the
math used in all 3
tasks.

Explanation/
Understanding

Thoroughly and
accurately
explains algebraic
thinking.

Accurately
explains algebraic
thinking.

Explains algebraic
thinking but lacks
detail.

Does not explain

algebraic
thinking.

Incorrectly
identifies or gives
inappropriate
examples of 2 of
the terms.

Incorrectly
identifies or gives
inappropriate
examples of 3 of
the terms.

Does identify or
give appropriate
examples of 4 or
more of the
terms.

Accurately
explains thinking
with algebraic
terms.

Explains thinking
with algebraic
terms but lacks
detail.

Does not explain

thinking with
algebraic terms.

Appetizer
(& Desserts)

Main Dishes

Mathematical
Correctness

Side Dishes

Explanation/
Understanding

Correctly
identifies/gives
examples of the
following terms:
equation, variable,
expression, term,
and coefficient.

Thoroughly and
accurately
explains thinking
with algebraic
terms.

Total= ___________/18