Grade 6 - Patterns and Relations (Variables and Equations)
The sub-organizer contains the following sections:
Prescribed Learning Outcomes
Suggested Instructional Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
Recommended Learning Resources
PRESCRIBED LEARNING OUTCOMES
It is expected that students will use informal and concrete representations of equality and operations on equality to solve problems.
It is expected that students will:
- generalize a pattern by substituting numbers into a frame and compare the results to the original pattern
- demonstrate the meaning and the
preservation of equality using objects, models, and diagrams
- graph ordered pairs in the first quadrant, analyse results, and generalize relationships
- solve one-variable equations with whole number coefficients and solutions using informal techniques
To view the prescribed learning outcomes for Patterns and Relations (Variables and Equations) in other grades click on an icon below.
|
SUGGESTED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES
Students' previous experiences with patterns allowed them to generalize patterns with words and then symbols. At the Grade 6 level, the idea of variables evolves in a natural way and becomes another way to describe patterns in the real world. Experiences with geometrical interpretations and graphing help students understand how to use generalizations to find particular values for variables.
- Present students with problems similar to the following: The relationship between chickens and wings is that for every chicken there are two wings. Represent chickens with C, wings with
W. Create a table to show the relationship for increasing numbers of chickens.
Copy and extend the table and ask students to graph it. Discuss how students can make predictions beyond the points on their graph.
SUGGESTED ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
Students demonstrate their understanding of patterns and relations as they work with various representations of the same information, including charts, graphs, and equations. By asking them to predict beyond what is given or modelled, to generalize, and to suggest situations in which similar patterns exist, you can assess the extent to which students understand patterns and relations.
Collect
- Review students' graphs and charts for evidence of precision:
- Can they label the axes and plot the points?
- Can they extend the pattern and table further?
- Ask students to create an example of their
own that illustrates similar skills, ideas, and
relationships to those in the chicken example. Collect their work and review the charts and graphs for accuracy and to see whether their charts and graphs are similar.
Observe
- Observe students as they investigate problems such as the following:
- How could you change the equation 7 = 3 + 4 and still keep it true or equal?
Listen to students' descriptions of methods for solving the equation. Note shareable strategies such as guess and test, use of manipulatives, inverse properties, and checking with
calculators.
RECOMMENDED LEARNING RESOURCES
Print Materials
- About Teaching Mathematics
- Games in the Teaching of Mathematics
- Historical Connections in Mathematics
- Linking Mathematics and Language: Practical Classroom Activities
- Math Bridges: Everyday Math for Home and School
- A Mathematical Pandora's Box
- Mathematical Reasoning Through Verbal Analysis: Book 2
- Problem Of The Day
- Quest 2000: Exploring Mathematics Grade 6
- Using Calculators Is Easy: Complete Guide For The Classroom
Video
- Focus on Fractals
- Mathematics: What Are You Teaching My Child?
Software- The Logic Box
- Mathville
- Understanding Math
Previous Organizer
Next Organizer
©Copyright 1996
All Rights Reserved.
BC MOECurriculum Branch.
Maintained by:Mathematics Coordinator
Revised: October 20, 1997
BC Ministry of Education
