7th Grade Pre-Algebra/Algebra/Geometry Unit Plan

Established Goals:

  • Model and work with integers
  • Model, write and solve equations
  • Identifying formulas and using them in a spreadsheet
  • Solve problems by graphing and using a table

Understandings:

Students will understand that…

  • Math is not only solving equations but also learning how to explain in words and sentences how the answer was reached.
  • Sometimes the answer to a mathematical equation is not as important as the process/ steps that were used to get the answer.

Students will know…

  • How to write algebraic expressions
  • Geometrical terms, measurement, angles, and theorems
  • Formulas for calculating percent, area, volume, and perimeter

Students will be able to…

  • Solve algebraic equations
  • Identify different angles, as well as graph and find the square roots of numbers
  • Calculate percent, area, perimeter, and volume for various equations and 3-dimensional figures.

Essential Questions:

  • How can mathematics be turned into a writing lesson?
  • When are the process/steps to a mathematical equation more important than the answer?

Performance Task:

  • Designing/ Location Problem: Mellifluous Designs, Inc. is investigatingbuilding an aquarium for the town with a grant from Misty Ventures, and educational aquatic research firm. You will be designing the tank for the aquarium, the layout, and the volume of water that must be prepared. The town hasn’t decided where they will put the tank ( there are several differently-sized buildings) and a task force has been appointed to determine the aquarium’s final location. You’ll have to do the dimensions in ratios that will accept any measurements that are given…

Other Evidence:

  • Journal Writing:

(a)Ask students how to tell the difference between one-step and two-step equations. Have students describe what strategies they use to help prevent careless errors when solving equations.

(b)Have students sketch a spaceship and describe it in terms of perimeter, area, surface area, and volume.

  • Chapter Tests

Learning Activities:

  • Have students make a floor plan of a room and decide on the dimensions. Have students determine how much paint they need to cover all four walls if a gallon of paint covers 200ft².
  • Group students in pairs and provide each pair with algebra tiles. Ask each student to model a one-step equation and pass the model to his or her partner. Then challenge students to transform the one-step equations into two-step equations. Have them compare work with their partners and note the changes they made. Encourage students to create a list of possible steps under the heading “How to Make a One-Step Equation a Two-Step Equation.”

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7th Grade Pre-Algebra/Algebra/Geometry

Unit Plan