Student Group Activity

Katerina Penrose
September 19, 2016
Writing Algebraic Expressions: Algebra - Grade 9
Description of the Activity:
The students have been taught how to translate words into algebraic expressions as
well as algebraic expressions into words. A Think, Pair, Share activity will be used
to practice translations and will provide the teacher with immediate feedback on
their ability to recall the process used for translations and the rules they need to
follow.
Objective: The students will understand how to read and write algebraic
expressions using letters in place of numbers by restating algebraic expressions as
words and vice-versa
Common Core Standard: HS.A-SSE.A.1.a
Algebra - Seeing Structure in Expressions HS.A-SSE.A.1
Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.
A.1 Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.
a. Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients.
Matching Partners
When the students walk into the class, they will grab one animal/object or word card
from the front table and then sit in their usual seats. After everyone is seated, the
students will have 1 minute to get up and find their partner by matching the
animal/object cards with the appropriate word card. Once paired the student with
the picture will have 30 seconds to get ONE whiteboard, ONE marker, and a paper
towel for the pair at the front of the class and sit back down. They are to sit
shoulder to shoulder next to one another.
Think, Pair, Share
Once the students are paired and have their materials they will be given a series of
practice expressions/phrases. The partner with the card that had the word on it will
write first. They are to work together to translate the expressions/phrases. After 1
minute the signal of Markers Down, Boards Up will be given and the students will
raise their boards in the air. Instructor will check the answers then choose a pair to
share their answer with the class. After 10-20 seconds of discussion with the class
the partners will trade off with the person having the picture card writing the
answer next. This trade off will happen back and forth until each practice problem
has been covered. Check for understanding of the procedures before beginning.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

Ask:

How will you find your partner?

Who is collecting the materials?
Who is writing first?
How long do you have to write your answers?
Someone please summarize for us what we are about to do.

Materials Needed:
Matching Cards
Whiteboards
Dry Erase Markers
Paper Towels