Number Sentences Sort (update)

One of the smaller expectations we have to deal with is the ability for students to interpret algebraic equations. You know: "what does 2x + 1 mean"?. We created this very simple sorting activity where students are given expressions (and equations) and the sentence to describe them and have to match them up. This is meant to be an activity that is relatively quick. We have two versions here. One for grade 7 that only has expressions and one for grade 8 that has equations as well. We also have an Explain Everything version of each so that if you have an iPad (or Chromebook), with that app, you can have your students sort them electronically. This can also be used as review in Grade 9.
Note: This is an update to the same activity posted last year but now with a grade 8 and Explain Everything version
Double Note: This has been updated again to now include a Desmos card sort. So both card sorts are now transferred to this new Desmos feature. You can learn about Desmos Card Sorts by clicking here. Download the Teacher versions (which you can copy) of these activities below in the download section.

• Gr7PA - translate phrases describing simple mathematical relationships into algebraic expressions using concrete materials
• Gr8PA - translate statements describing mathematical relationships into algebraic expressions and equations
• MPM1D, MFM1P - As review

• For the grade 7 version there are four different (but similar) sets. One set per page. For the grade 8 version there are three different (but similar) sets. One set per page. 
• Print each page on card stock (we also suggest laminating). We suggest that each set be printed on different colour card stock for easy sorting. Cut each out and put each set in an envelope.
• Obviously you will have to decide how many sets you will need for your class depending on whether you pair students up or not. 
• Note that in the version with equations, there are some algebraic expressions that do not have matching sentences. In these cases, students will have to write their own.
• If you choose to use the Explain Everything version, then you probably want to download that .xpl file and put it on a server where your students can get easy access to it. 

Explain Everything Screenshot

1. Depending on how many students you have you may want to do this individually, in pairs or in larger groups. The activity is not super complex so we don't recommend anything bigger than pairs. 
2. Students take each set and sort the algebraic expression with the written version. 
3. When they are done their set they can trade with another group that has a different colour of cards. If they are using the Explain Everything version then they can just go to the next slide. 
4. There is a homework sheet for consolidation that includes both expressions and equations as well.

• NumberSentences-Expressions (doc. PDF, XPL, Desmos)
• NumberSentences-Equations (doc, PDF, XPL, Desmos)
• NumberSentencesHomework-Equations (doc, PDF)
• Entire Folder

Did you use this activity? Do you have a way to make it better? If so tell us in the comment section. Thanks

Gr 8 Algebra and EquationsTower Challenge

This is a review activity on algebra and solving simple linear equations for grade 8 where students answer questions and are rewarded with building materials for each correct answer. The building materials (straws & tape) are then used to create the tallest tower that can hold a cup with a ball.  In this activity students have a different tower challenge than our 9 academic and 9 applied versions.  

Gr8 Patterning and Algebra

• translate statements describing mathematical relationships into algebraic expressions and equations
• evaluate algebraic expressions with up to three terms, by substituting fractions, decimals, and integers for the variables
• solve and verify linear equations involving a one-variable term and having solutions that are integers, by using inspection, guess and check, and a “balance” model
• make connections between solving equations and determining the term number in a pattern, using the general term
• describe different ways in which algebra can be used in real-life situations

• 1-2 boxes of straws and 1-inch pieces of tape
• a small container with ping pong ball 
• a question sheet for each student
• a teacher answer sheet 
• Optional - a whiteboard for each student to work out their solutions
• Optional - prize for the group with the tallest tower that can hold the cup

1. Place students in groups (ideally no bigger than 3 per group)
2. Hand out question sheets (and optional whiteboards) to each student.
3. Have students answer questions from their sheet in any order they want. For every correct answer they will get some building materials (eg: 2 straws & 2 pieces of tape, the amount of each reward is indicated on the student question sheet ). The harder the question the more materials they will get. Eventually the building materials will be used to create the tallest free standing tower that can hold the cup with ball.
4. Students work in groups to answer the questions and bring their solutions up to you to be checked. Only one member from each group can come up at a time. Each group can answer each question only once. To keep track of this, use the teacher answer sheet to check off which questions each group has answered as they come up.
5. Leave about 20 min at the end of the class for students to create their towers (students can no longer answer questions)
6. Take lots of pictures and celebrate the group with the tallest free standing tower.

The video, below, is only visible in the WECDSB domain. That is, only teachers in our school board can see the video if they are logged into their MyTools2Go accounts.

• Gr8AlgebraTowerChallengeQuestions (pdf, doc)
• Gr8AlgebraTowerChallengeTeacherAnswerSheet (pdf, doc)

Did you use this activity? Do you have a way to make it better? If so tell us in the comment section. Thanks

Connecting Words and Algebraic Expressions

Students are given a set of cards that have either an algebraic expression or a word sentence. They then have to match up the expressions with the word sentences. This is not meant to be a big activity but just a quick one to help kids connect the different forms. You could use this in grade 7, 8 or 9.

NOTE: This activity has been updated and a newer version can be found here

• Gr7 - translate phrases describing simple mathematical relationships into algebraic expressions, using concrete materials
• Gr8 - translate statements describing mathematical relationships into algebraic expressions and equations
• MPM1D, MFM1P - As review

• There are four sets. Print each on a different colour card stock (there is no real reason for this except that if the cards get mixed up it is easier to get them back into their groups) and laminate (if possible) then cut them out.
• Mix each set up and put each into an envelope
• Because there are only four sets, you will have to make up multiple sets depending on how big your class is. 

1. Put students into pairs or triads
2. Give each group one set of cards
3. Students are to match up the word sentence with the algebraic expression
4. If time permits, have groups trade sets for a different colour.

• Number Sentences (doc) (pdf)

Did you use this activity? Do you have a way to make it better? If so tell us in the comment section. Thanks