This document contains information and instructions for math lessons on the topics of symbols, equality, expressions, equations, variables, and properties of operations. It includes learning targets, activities, discussions, and homework assignments. Students will learn about the equal sign and its meaning through exploring balance scales, analyzing example equations, and improving sample Twitter summaries of equality. They will also practice multi-step word problems and identifying similar math expressions and equations. The final homework assigns students to solve equality examples and explain their thinking without calculations.

1. 1) The arrow above points to a symbol. What is
the name of the symbol?
2) What does the symbol mean?

2.  Experiencing Trust activity
 Rules and procedures

3.  Students will learn to…
 Explore and explain equality

4.  Expectations
 During any test/quiz/assessment, there will be
absolutely no talking.
 Answer the questions to the best of your
ability.
 It does not count against your grade.
 When you are finished, turn them over and
find something to do quietly.

5.  Independently complete the worksheet.
 On questions 1-5, please write a short
explanation to explain your thinking.

6.  How do we communicate mathematically?
 What symbols do we use to communicate?

7.  Balance and Equivalence Activity

8.  Students will learn to…
 Explain their thinking on balance and equivalence
 Explain the equal sign (=) and why it is important.

10.  Balance and Equivalence
 6-10: Pair share
 #6: What does it mean and why is it
important?
 #9: Important vocabulary?

11.  True or False activity
 Discuss each problem with your partner.
 Decide if the answer is true or false.
 Be prepared to JUSTIFY your answer.

12.  Twitter Summary
 Give a clear, concise description of the equal sign
and what it represents.
 140 characters or less
 I will choose 1 summary from each class to
tweet.

13.  425 + 355
 The math problem above is an expression. At
this point, the problem has no meaning. Your
job is to take the expression above and create a
word problem by giving it context.
 Your next job is to make this problem more
challenging. Using your previous context,
introduce the number 275 to make this a two
step problem.

14.  Properties and Operations
 Common Core Standards
 Essential Questions
 Learning Targets – Kid friendly
 Rating scale
 Vocabulary
 Put your name on the unit plan, it is yours to
keep.
 We will refer to these almost daily.

15.  Equations
 Expressions
 Variables
 Context
 Balance and equivalence
 Twitter Summary

16.  Students will learn to…
 Analyze the “Equal Sign” summaries and work
with a partner to improve them.
 Describe the connection between a balance and
equality.

17.  You will each be given a twitter summary (not
your own).
 Your goal is to analyze the definition and try
to make it better.
 Use the basic idea of the summary given to
you, but try to improve it.

18.  You will have 5 minutes to improve the
summary.
 Questions???

20.  Demonstration

21.  Describe the connection between a balance
scale and equality (equal sign).
 Should be at least a paragraph…

22.  This is your first homework assignment.
 Be Responsible
 Complete the homework
 Bring it back to school tomorrow
 Bring it to class.

23. Equality Homework
1) 241 + 5682 = + 241
2) 2 + 7 + 3 = + 2 + 3
3) 5 + 16 = + 8
4) 10 + 3 = + 3 + 5
5) 1001 – 999 = m
Which problem was hardest for you? Why?
Which problems are similar to each other? Why?
Instructions:
Try to solve each problem
without using any
tools/calculations.
On the back, explain your
thinking as you were solving
each problem.
s: