Equal Sign Explorers: Making Equations Balance!

Math Grades 1st Grade 3:31 Video
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Lesson Description

Let's learn about the equal sign and how to make addition and subtraction equations true! We'll find out if both sides of the equation are the same.

Video Resource

Understanding the Equal Sign + Addition and Subtraction Equations - 1st Grade (1.OA.7)

Boddle Learning

Duration: 3:31
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Equal Sign (=): Means both sides have the same value.
  • Equation: A math sentence with an equal sign.
  • True Equation: Both sides of the equal sign have the same value.
  • False Equation: Sides of the equal sign do not have the same value.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define what an equation is.
  • Students will be able to determine if an equation is true or false.
  • Students will be able to identify the correct operation (+ or -) to make an equation true.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about the equal sign. Show them different equations (e.g., 2 + 2 = 4, 3 + 1 = 5) and ask if they look 'right' or 'wrong.' Explain that the equal sign means 'the same as'.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the Boddle Learning video: 'Understanding the Equal Sign + Addition and Subtraction Equations - 1st Grade (1.OA.7)'. Encourage students to pay attention to the examples of equations and how to check if they are true.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through examples on the board together. Start with simple equations like 3 + 2 = 5 and 6 - 1 = 5. Then, move on to equations where students need to fill in the missing operation (e.g., 4 _ 1 = 5). Use manipulatives like counters or drawings to help students visualize the equations.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Give students worksheets with various addition and subtraction equations. Some equations should be true, some false, and some with a missing + or - sign. Have them circle 'True' or 'False' or fill in the missing operation. Provide assistance as needed.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to explain in their own words what the equal sign means and how they can tell if an equation is true. Highlight the importance of checking both sides of the equation.

Interactive Exercises

  • Balancing Act
    Use a balance scale and blocks. Put different numbers of blocks on each side of the scale. Have students add or subtract blocks to make the scale balance (equation true).
  • Equation Sort
    Create cards with different addition and subtraction equations. Have students sort the cards into two piles: 'True Equations' and 'False Equations'.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the equal sign mean?
  • How can you tell if an equation is true?
  • Can you give an example of a true equation? A false equation?

Skills Developed

  • Addition and Subtraction
  • Problem-solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Understanding Equality

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does the equal sign (=) mean?

Correct Answer: The same as

Question 2:

Which equation is TRUE?

Correct Answer: 4 - 2 = 2

Question 3:

Which equation is FALSE?

Correct Answer: 3 - 1 = 1

Question 4:

What number goes in the box to make this true: 2 + 3 = ☐?

Correct Answer: 5

Question 5:

What is an equation?

Correct Answer: A math sentence with an equal sign

Question 6:

Which sign goes in the blank to make this true: 4 ____ 2 = 2?

Correct Answer: -

Question 7:

Is 5 = 5 a true equation?

Correct Answer: Yes

Question 8:

Is 2 + 1 = 1 + 2 a true equation?

Correct Answer: Yes

Question 9:

Which equation is TRUE?

Correct Answer: 1 + 8 = 9

Question 10:

Which sign goes in the blank to make this true: 3 ____ 4 = 7?

Correct Answer: +

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The ______ sign means 'the same as'.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 2:

An equation has an ______ sign.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 3:

2 + 2 = 4 is a ______ equation.

Correct Answer: true

Question 4:

1 + 1 = 3 is a ______ equation.

Correct Answer: false

Question 5:

To make an equation true, both sides must be the ______.

Correct Answer: same

Question 6:

3 + 2 = ______

Correct Answer: 5

Question 7:

5 - ______ = 2

Correct Answer: 3

Question 8:

A math sentence with an equal sign is an _______.

Correct Answer: equation

Question 9:

When both sides of the equal sign have the same value, the equation is ______.

Correct Answer: true

Question 10:

6 - 1 = ______

Correct Answer: 5

Educational Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.D.7:Understand the meaning of the equal sign, and determine if equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false. For example, which of the following equations are true and which are false? 6 = 6, 7 = 8 - 1, 5 + 2 = 2 + 5, 4 + 1 = 5 + 2. CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.C.6:Add and subtract within 20, demonstrating fluency for addition and subtraction within 10. Use strategies such as counting on; making ten (e.g., 8 + 6 = 8 + 2 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14); decomposing a number leading to a ten (e.g., 13 - 4 = 13 - 3 - 1 = 10 - 1 = 9); using the relationship between addition and subtraction (e.g., knowing that 8 + 4 = 12, one knows 12 - 8 = 4); and creating equivalent but easier or known sums (e.g., adding 6 + 7 by creating the known equivalent 6 + 6 + 1 = 12 + 1 = 13). CCSS.Math.Content.1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Teaching Materials

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