1. Grade/Age Level
This lesson is for college Pre-Algebra students at a two-year community college. Many of the students have recently graduated from high school. A few of the students are older and are returning to school after an extended period of time. Many of the students have low confidence in their math skills.
2. Subject Area
This lesson is designed for Pre-Algebra students in college. Most of the students have been introduced to the subject matter before, but a few are learning it for the first time. This lesson is specifically about identifying and combining like terms in algebraic expressions.
3. Time Allotted
This lesson is meant to be done within one 60 minute class period.
4. Lesson Description
This lesson will introduce students to the idea of like terms in algebraic expressions and equations. It will demonstrate to them how to idea and combine like terms in order to simplify expressions.
5. Instructional Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
a. Identify when two or more terms are like terms
b. Properly combine like terms in an expression by adding or subtracting coefficients
c. simplify algebraic expressions by combining like terms
6. Instructional Procedures
a. Introduction
The lesson will start with the like objects/like terms slide show. The slide show will start with several pictures that look almost identical. Students will then be asked to identify the two that are the same and point out the differences between the pictures. The next slide will have pictures of different fruits. The students will be asked to identify what is the same between the pictures and what is different.
b. Techniques and Activities
The next slide on the presentation will contain several terms with variables and exponents, but no coefficients. The students will again be asked to identify any differences between the terms and also identify any terms that are identical. The class will discuss the idea of like terms and what makes terms ‘like terms’.
The next slide will contain all like terms with different coefficients. The class will discuss the idea that terms can be like terms even if the coefficients are different. The last slide will have different terms, some of them like terms and some of them not. Students will be asked to identify which ones are like terms and which ones are not.
After the slideshow and it is clear the students understand the idea of like terms, they will be introduced to the idea of combining like terms. The combining like terms graphic will be displayed and discussed as a class. After the class shows an understanding of the topic they will be given practice problems to work on.
c. Conclusion
As a class, we will discuss any questions or concerns the students have about like terms and combining like terms. We will review any questions or problems the students had with the practice problems.
7. Adaptations
When needed, adaptations will be made such as extended time, reading directions out loud, and any other accommodations needed.
8. Supplemental Activities
Students needing extra help can receive one-on-one instruction from the instructor by asking questions when working on the in class practice questions or meeting with the instructor outside of class. Students can also receive additional help form the on campus Math Lab.
9. Assessment/Evaluation
Students will be informally assessed on their participation in the group discussions and slide show presentation. Student understanding will also be assessed based on the practice questions, which will be entered into the computer and graded electronically based on accuracy of the answers. At the end of the unit, students will be given a unit test.
10. Learner Products
At the end of the lesson, students will have completed the practice problems on combining like terms.