Expressions and Equations

Students are expected to solve multi-step equations fluently. But do they understand the connection between expressions and equations? Or the foundation and purpose behind the order of operations? The following prompt could be used as an informal assessment to answer these questions.

Expressions and Equations

Students create a numerical expression with a specified value. Ask students to stand up, hand up, pair up to trade expressions and check for accuracy. Students replace the integer "-2" with the variable x, set the algebraic expression equal to their specified value, and solve for x. Again ask students to stand up, hand up, pair up to trade equations to check for accuracy. Ask students to Mix-N-Match to pair with someone using the same goal number. Students set their algebraic expressions equal to each other and solve for x. Note: To avoid the possibility of quadratic equations, be sure students do not place "-2" in the denominator of their numerical expression.

This activity highlights Common Core State Standard 7.EE.B.4a included in MATH-7 and Accelerated MATH-7.

Probability

The Common Core Standards prompt students to investigate chance processes and develop, use, and evaluate probability models in Grade 7. This Pondering Probability post and Sample Assessment post give a quick overview of the content. The most commonly used probability models include a coin or dice toss, spinners, drawing marbles or cards, and the random number generator (or another random number generator). Decide Now! is my favorite app for creating spinners...we use it for deciding our after-church restaurant each week.

Decide Now! App

There are lots of options for teaching probability...organizing a series of stations that include different probability-based games would be a fun way to introduce this unit. And probability allows integration of other concepts such as integer operations, area of geometric figures, and so much more! Notice the attached resources begin with the Twister Lab Activity and continue using the same problem to work from likelihood all the way to probability models of compound events.

7.SP.C.5-8 Resources

These activities highlight Common Core State Standards 7.SP.C.5, 7.SP.C.6, 7.SP.C.7, and 7.SP.C.8 included in MATH-7 and Accelerated MATH-7.

Circumference of a Circle

Image Credit: John Reid and Arpad Horvath

Constructing Triangles

There are different levels of precision involved in creating the model of a geometric figure. Sketch implies freehand without tools. Draw produces a rough sketch with the aid of a straightedge. Construct requires the use of measurement tools such as a ruler, compass, or protractor. The main focus in Grade 7 lies with the construction of triangles and determining the number of possible triangles that can be formed given a set of three attributes. This objective investigates the possible combinations of attributes (SSS, SAS, ASA, AAS, SSA, and AAA) and determining when the conditions form a unique triangle, more than one triangle, or no triangle.

7.G.A.2 Resources

This activity set highlights Common Core State Standard 7.G.A.2 included in MATH-7 and Accelerated MATH-8.

Benchmark Grade 7

State testing is just around the corner! And all thoughts assessment can be found in the 'Tis the Season post. This Grade 7 activity set could be used with the Find Someone Who structure to conduct a general review of sample questions organized by Arkansas Frameworks strand. Each question is an adapted released item from Grade 7 Benchmark exams over the past four years. If you choose to use these in your classroom, remember to remind students to only pair with others who are not their teammates. This will allow students to return to their teams and wrap-up by using the RoundRobin structure to share solutions and discuss any questions that may arise.

Grade 7 Benchmark Resources

This structure requires students to coach each other as needed. Coach: Tip, Tip, Teach, Try again! Let me encourage you to use a coaching chart with these activities to strengthen the math vocabulary that is used during coaching. Perhaps let your students work with a classmate or two and then freeze the class to discuss a list of coaching tips. Review things they may say and things they may do while working collaboratively. For example, on the measurement coaching chart you could list "Did you measure from zero?" or "Add ALL sides to find the perimeter of a polygon." under the say column. And then list these examples under the do column: "Show pinky for an estimate of centimeter." or "Make eye contact." or "Nod your head."

You may choose to accompany each Find Someone Who activity with a coordinating sample open response question. There is a bank of prompts already on file or you could update with newer released items. Details are not included in this post because everything I know about setting kids up for success with open response questions was learned from Rhonda Kobylinski. Without a doubt, she is your resident expert.

Happy testing to YOU!

Scale Drawings

The Grade 7 standard that involves scale drawings is an application of  proportional reasoning while it also sets the stage for similarity addressed in Grade 8 (CCSS 8.G.A.4). The following lesson contains a team project that requires students to generate scale drawings of a bedroom and selected furnishings in their assigned floor plan. Students collaborate as a team to determine an appropriate scale that can be easily used by all members and produce drawings appropriate for display on their team poster. And they have tons of creative fun in the midst of the critical thinking required for task completion. Resources are included for scaffolding as needed.

7.G.A.1 Resources

This activity set highlights Common Core State Standard 7.G.A.1 included in MATH-7.

Cross Sections

When introducing cross sections, it may be difficult for students to visualize the polygon that is formed by slicing a solid. Consider this interactive investigation for slicing a cube as a launch for the concept of cross sections from Annenburg Learner.

Source: Learner.org 

Then allow students to investigate cross sections of multiple solids through a Play-Doh Cross Sections Lab Activity. Materials needed include play-doh, paper plates, dental floss, plastic knife, and ruler. In teams of four, each student constructs two of the solids listed on the record sheet. When the team finishes building models with the specified cross sections, use the All Write RoundRobin structure to share discoveries and complete the record sheet. Follow-up with the to check for understanding.

7.G.A.3 Resources

This activity set highlights Common Core State Standard 7.G.A.3 included in MATH-7.