Creating Linear Problems
By Naomi Johnson
This lesson will focus on this picture and be used to teach standard 7.EE.B.4. This standard required students to used variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems. The students will solve the equations and figure out the answer to the last problem. We will then discuss how they came to the answers. They will then be given the chance to create their own problems with a system of equations using their own pictures to represent variables in equations. They will then show them to their peers which will show the other students the different cultures and individuality of everyone in class.
This lesson could be an integrated lesson with English Language Arts because the students could then write about their equations, what each picture represents, and why they chose to make them as they did. This lesson could also incorporate the student’s different cultures because they are allowed to use whatever picture they want and it can represent themselves however they would like. The students are given the freedom to bring themselves into the problems, and this includes their individuality and cultures. They can then share these cultures with their peers when they share their problems to the class.
I think the use of symbols and drawings to represent numbers is a great way for students to think about numbers in a different way! Based off your picture, another problem students could engage in is multi-step problems. Students could use what they see to create a problem that focuses specifically on their understanding of the order of operations. The photo could be altered for this specific use, or students could use this as a base to then create problems that include all parts of the order of operations.
Another way you could make this more culturally relevant, or integrated into other content areas, is to have students study and research symbols and pictures from cultures in the past, and then use these to create their problems.
Social Studies GLE: 4.2.2 Understands and analyzes how cultures and cultural groups have contributed to U.S. history (1776—1900).