Balancing Act: Making Math Equations Equal!

Mathematics Grades 2nd Grade 13:48 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to balance addition equations like a math superhero! This lesson helps you understand that both sides of the equals sign (=) need to have the same value. Get ready for some number fun!

Video Resource

Balancing Equations | Addition | Math for 2nd Grade | Kids Academy

Kids Academy

Duration: 13:48
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Equality
  • Balancing Equations
  • Addition
  • Unknown Values

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define what it means for an equation to be balanced.
  • Students will be able to find the missing number in an addition equation to make it balanced.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Start by asking students what the equals sign (=) means. Guide them to understand that it means 'the same as'. Explain that balancing equations is like making sure both sides of a seesaw have the same weight.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Watch the 'Balancing Equations | Addition | Math for 2nd Grade | Kids Academy' video. Encourage students to pay attention to how the teacher solves the problems and how they make both sides of the equation equal.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through a few example problems together on the board. For example: 5 + 3 = ? + 2. Guide students to find the total on the left side (8) and then figure out what number needs to be added to 2 to get 8 (6). Emphasize showing their work.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Give students a worksheet with balancing equation problems to solve on their own. Encourage them to use manipulatives like counters or drawings to help them visualize the problem.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts and answer any remaining questions. Have students share their strategies for solving the problems.

Interactive Exercises

  • Seesaw Balance
    Draw a seesaw on the board. Write an equation on one side of the seesaw and have students determine what needs to be on the other side to make it balance. Use different visuals to keep them engaged.

Discussion Questions

  • What does the equals sign (=) mean?
  • How can you tell if an equation is balanced?
  • What strategies can you use to find the missing number in an equation?

Skills Developed

  • Problem-solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Number Sense

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does the equals sign (=) mean?

Correct Answer: The same as

Question 2:

What number is missing? 4 + 2 = ? + 1

Correct Answer: 5

Question 3:

Which equation is balanced?

Correct Answer: 5 + 2 = 7

Question 4:

If one side of an equation is 10, what should the other side be to make it balanced?

Correct Answer: Equal to 10

Question 5:

What number is missing? ? + 3 = 5

Correct Answer: 2

Question 6:

What is the first step to balance this equation 3 + 4 = ? + 2

Correct Answer: Add 3 + 4

Question 7:

If you add 1 to one side of the equation, what should you do to the other side to make it balance?

Correct Answer: Add 1

Question 8:

Which equation is balanced?

Correct Answer: 2 + 2 = 4

Question 9:

What number is missing? 8 = 5 + ?

Correct Answer: 3

Question 10:

To balance equations, you need to make sure both sides are...

Correct Answer: The same

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

In an equation, the equals sign (=) means the sides are ____.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 2:

To balance an equation, you need to find the ________ number.

Correct Answer: missing

Question 3:

5 + 2 = 7 is a ________ equation.

Correct Answer: balanced

Question 4:

If one side of an equation is 6, the other side must also add up to ____.

Correct Answer: 6

Question 5:

In the equation 3 + ? = 5, the missing number is ____.

Correct Answer: 2

Question 6:

The goal of balancing equations is to make them ________.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 7:

If you add to one side of the equation, you must also ________ to the other side to keep it balanced.

Correct Answer: add

Question 8:

Balancing equations helps us learn about ________.

Correct Answer: addition

Question 9:

To check if an equation is balanced, add the numbers on _______ side.

Correct Answer: each

Question 10:

9 = 4 + _____ to make it balanced

Correct Answer: 5

Educational Standards

2.A.2.3:Apply the commutative property, identity property, and number sense to find values for unknowns that make addition and subtraction number sentences true or false. 2.N.2.2:Demonstrate fluency with basic facts of addition and subtraction with sums and minuends of up to 20.

Teaching Materials

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