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NLVM: Algebra Balance Scales

 

Curator: William Stremple

 

Name & Link to Tech Tool or Tool homepage: http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_201_g_4_t_2.html

 

Brief Description of Tech Tool: This applet can be used by students to practice solving equations with variables on both sides. Students first represent the given equation with blocks on a balance scale. One idea behind this applet is that both sides of the equals sign need to be kept equal and balanced. After representing, students then use operations to solve the equation. There is an additional option for students to create their own equations.

 

Technical & Cost considerations: This applet is free. It DOES REQUIRE JAVA in order to run.

 

Evaluation

 

Description of Learning Activity

 

Algebra Balance Scales is an online game that students can play for practice. By using an actual scale, it shows students the importance of having a stable equation. The tool also allows students to solve for x by giving operations and a box for student input. The applet will only allow operations that make sense. This helps keep the numbers used as whole numbers. I have included this, as well as the Negatives version, in my WebQuest for students to learn and practice solving equations.

 

1. Learning Activity Types

  • Practice - practicing for fluency

 

2. What mathematics is being learned?

 

NCTM Standards

  • NCTM-Alg-symbols - represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols;

  • NCTM-Alg-models - use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships;

 

VA SOL Strands

  • 8.15 a, c - The student will (a) solve multistep equations in one variable on one and two sides of the equation and (c) identify properties of operations used to solve an equation

 

Proficiency Strands

  • conceptual understanding-comprehension of mathematical concepts

    • Understanding of solving equations with variables on both sides

 

  • procedural fluency-skill in carrying out procedures flexibly, accurately, efficiently, and appropriately

    • The tool helps students develop proper procedures for solving equations

 

  • strategic competence-ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematical problems

    • Students can represent equations using manipulatives and a balance scale.

 

Additional Comments on what is being learned

  • This tool is very easy to use and students can really see the importance of keeping an equation balanced because of the scale.

 

3. How is the mathematics represented?

 

The mathematics is represented as a virtual manipulative. Students can manipulate the blocks as they need to keep the beam balanced. There is the option for students to create their own equations to solve or just use pre-made problems. Using this tool eliminates some of the problems that alge-blocks present: clanging of blocks on the desk/floor, students just building with the blocks, losing blocks, take up lots of storage space. Instead, this tool is an easy way for students to practice as long as computers are available.

 

4. What role does technology play?

 

Advantages

  • Provides great practice for solving equations with variables on both sides

  • When students attempt operations that will not work, the applet gives feedback as to why it will not work

  • Students can create their own equations to solve and the applet provides a formula that only requires students to enter numbers into certain spaces

 

Disadvantages

  • When creating a personal problem, students cannot use numbers that will yield a negative or non-interger

 

Unique Contribution

  • Allows students to work at their own pace or collaboratively to support each others learning

 

Affordances

 

  • Computing & Automating – Students are able to choose operations that will solve each equation

  • Representing Ideas & Thinking – Students are able to represent parts of an equation with blocks and a balance scale

  • Capturing & Creating – To differential, more advanced students can create and solve their own problems

 

5. How does the technology fit or interact with the social context of learning?

 

I would have students using this applet in pairs while in class. This is a new concepts for my students and one that most have trouble with so this added support should be very beneficial. It can be used individually and I can see my students using this as an additional resource outside of classtime.

 

6. What do teachers and learners need to know?

 

This applet is easy to use and students would be able to use it with little to no instruction. It does, however, require Java to run properly.

 

7.  How could this resource supplement/facilitate PBL?

This resource can be used to supplement PBL.  I use this game in my WebQuest for solving equations for students to practice more.

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