#3409. Algebra on the Farm

Mathematics, level: Elementary
Posted Wed Feb 23 07:33:36 PST 2005 by Robin Zaruba (rzaruba@dentonisd.org).
United Streaming
Pecan Creek Elementary, Denton, Texas
Materials Required: various types of counters (centimeter cubes, colored counters, dried beans, etc); Mathematical Eye:
Activity Time: 45-60 minutes
Concepts Taught: Problem Solving

Algebra on the Farm
Description: Students will develop algebraic equations to solve problems involving animals.

Subject: Mathematics
Duration: 45-60 min
Grade Levels: 4-6

Resources
Resources: Mathematical Eye: Fun and Games | Using Math Equations to Count Farm Animals (unitedstreaming video)
Using Math Equations to Count Farm Animals In this informative program, students are show how mathematics can be used to solve puzzles. Viewers learn that there are often patterns to counting things as they visit the Fun and Game Barnyard, and they learn how to turn these patterns into equations.

materials
various types of counters (centimeter cubes, colored counters, dried beans, etc)


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Standards
Standards: TX-TEKS-111.16.b.4.7 Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student uses organizational structures to analyze and describe patterns and relationships.
TX-TEKS-111.17.b.5.5 Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student makes generalizations based on observed patterns and relationships.
TX-TEKS-111.17.b.5.6.A TSIET... select from and use diagrams and number sentences to represent real-life situations.
TX-TEKS-111.22.b.6.3 Patterns, relationships, and algebraic thinking. The student solves problems involving proportional relationships.

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Details
Introduction: Show video clip "Using Math Equations to Count Farm Animals " to introduce problem. If you have only birds and pigs on a farm and you count 42 eyes and 58 legs, how many birds and pigs are there?

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Exploring: Students can use manulpulative to determine the number of birds and pigs are on the farm. Students should explore algebraic methods to solve this problem and see if they can come up with a formula that will help them determine any number of birds and pigs given different eyes and legs.

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Summarizing: Students will explain the process they used to solve the problem and create the algebraic formula.
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Evaluation: Students will solve another problem individually.

If there are only pigs and fish on the farm, how many of each would you have if there are 14 eyes and 12 legs? Students will get credit for solution and algebraic equation.

Students can then create another problem for peers to solve.