Description
Solving Two-Step Algebraic Equations Full Lesson with Two Activities - "Isolate the Criminal"
In this exciting lesson, students learn how to solve two-step equations while showing the appropriate work in an engaging and meaningful manner. In this “Special Guest” story time instruction, the teacher wears a mask (optional) while students sit on the edge of their chairs as the story of a criminal (variable) being caught intertwined in his lie unfolds. It turns out, questioning with the police was going just fine until he was isolated from his buddies (which are later related to as the numbers/operations).
Students won’t forget to show their work when solving algebraic equations because this is the evidence to lock the criminal away for his unmentionable crime. After the opening monologue, students will be engaged and cannot help but listen to find the relation to math. Similar to the story, the stronger friendship/bond is broken last (similar to the undoing the order of operations in opposite order)
Students learn that variables can be "unknown" and we must get them "alone" to find out what they actually are. The rhyme helps students remember and better understand the appropriate vocabulary.
Following the story, the students create human equations. To relate the human equations to the story, have the student representing the variable wear a mask (optional). After the human equations examples, students do a short activity where they use task cards to show the appropriate steps for solving an equation, while keeping it balanced.
Below is a list of resources included in this lesson:
- Easy to follow instructions for setting up the lesson
- Isolate the Criminal Story - Full Monologue
- Full instructions with images for how to use the Human Equation Cards
- Thirty-four Human Equations Cards (Two per page) Makes Three Equations
- Two-Step Equations Student Notes Page with examples
(Goes with the theme of the story)
- Full instructions with images for how to use the Task Card Questions
- One Check for understanding Task Cards Question for (Printable)
- Check for understanding Task Card Sort is also available electronically for students
via Google Slides
- Answer key for all components
All student pages are available in color and in black and white for easy printing options.
Warning: The opening monologue implies a murder has been committed. This is never stated in the story; however, this may be sensitive for some audiences. Please alter the story to best meet the needs of your young learners.
$ave by purchasing a Bundle
6th Grade Special Guest Bundle
6th Grade Challenge/7th Grade Special Guest Bundle
Similar Products by resource type… Special Guest
Operation Order Matters (no exponents)
Operation Order Matters (challenge edition)
“X” Marks the Spot – One-Step Equations
“X” Marks the Spot – Two and Multi-Step Equations
Isolate the Criminal – Teaching One-Step Equations
Similar Resources by topic… Algebra
Combining Like Terms with the Distributive Property Game
Distributive Property Game (*Freebie*)
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Highlights
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Description
Solving Two-Step Algebraic Equations Full Lesson with Two Activities - "Isolate the Criminal"
In this exciting lesson, students learn how to solve two-step equations while showing the appropriate work in an engaging and meaningful manner. In this “Special Guest” story time instruction, the teacher wears a mask (optional) while students sit on the edge of their chairs as the story of a criminal (variable) being caught intertwined in his lie unfolds. It turns out, questioning with the police was going just fine until he was isolated from his buddies (which are later related to as the numbers/operations).
Students won’t forget to show their work when solving algebraic equations because this is the evidence to lock the criminal away for his unmentionable crime. After the opening monologue, students will be engaged and cannot help but listen to find the relation to math. Similar to the story, the stronger friendship/bond is broken last (similar to the undoing the order of operations in opposite order)
Students learn that variables can be "unknown" and we must get them "alone" to find out what they actually are. The rhyme helps students remember and better understand the appropriate vocabulary.
Following the story, the students create human equations. To relate the human equations to the story, have the student representing the variable wear a mask (optional). After the human equations examples, students do a short activity where they use task cards to show the appropriate steps for solving an equation, while keeping it balanced.
Below is a list of resources included in this lesson:
- Easy to follow instructions for setting up the lesson
- Isolate the Criminal Story - Full Monologue
- Full instructions with images for how to use the Human Equation Cards
- Thirty-four Human Equations Cards (Two per page) Makes Three Equations
- Two-Step Equations Student Notes Page with examples
(Goes with the theme of the story)
- Full instructions with images for how to use the Task Card Questions
- One Check for understanding Task Cards Question for (Printable)
- Check for understanding Task Card Sort is also available electronically for students
via Google Slides
- Answer key for all components
All student pages are available in color and in black and white for easy printing options.
Warning: The opening monologue implies a murder has been committed. This is never stated in the story; however, this may be sensitive for some audiences. Please alter the story to best meet the needs of your young learners.
$ave by purchasing a Bundle
6th Grade Special Guest Bundle
6th Grade Challenge/7th Grade Special Guest Bundle
Similar Products by resource type… Special Guest
Operation Order Matters (no exponents)
Operation Order Matters (challenge edition)
“X” Marks the Spot – One-Step Equations
“X” Marks the Spot – Two and Multi-Step Equations
Isolate the Criminal – Teaching One-Step Equations
Similar Resources by topic… Algebra
Combining Like Terms with the Distributive Property Game
Distributive Property Game (*Freebie*)
Numeric Expressions Buzz Word (*Freebie*)
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