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Description
Understanding the concept of “equal” is a critical part of developing number sense and algebraic thinking. This fun and free resource helps students get more flexible “playing” with numbers as they try to use algebra thinking to “balance” the gems on the two sides of the balance.
This freebie gives a sample problem that is similar to THIS SET of 30 cards. This can be a fun and meaningful way to get students thinking--and a great way to try it for free!
In the full resource, the first group of cards works to build understanding—and then they get increasingly more open ended for students to “build” their own problems and show their understanding. Using algebraic thinking, logic, and number sense helps students begin to see how algebra concepts can make sense--even for elementary students!
Use as a math station…as a class review…with an intervention group—or throw individual cards under a document camera for a class warm up! I have included the cards in color and gray tones for complete flexibility. Recording sheets and answer key are included as well! See the next page for “rules” that can be shared with the class and/or printed to include with the cards.
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Looking for more algebra thinking resources?
Here's the full resource with 30 task cards! Balancing Equation Task Cards
Algebra Thinking Concept Sorts
Teaching Tandem of BOTH resources
Algebra Thinking Word Problems
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