Learning Path
Exploring Algebra with 1st & 2nd classes Learning Path
By PDST
This learning path, suitable for 1st & 2nd classes, supports the exploration of the algebra strand through a series of challenges, tasks and activities.
5 resources in this Learning Path
1
Break it Up- Algebra task for primary pupils
https://nrich.maths.org/2284 Added: 24 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: ActivityHow many different ways can you break up a stick of 7 differently coloured cubes without changing the order of the cubes? Problem offers an introduction to algebraic thinking, however, it also begins very simply so everyone can make a reasonable start.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 1-2
- Mathematics
Strand: Algebra
Suggestions for use: This problem offers an introduction to algebraic thinking, however, it also begins very simply so everyone can make a reasonable start. You could start by giving all the pupil/s some interlocking cubes and asking them to make a stick of seven. Then tell them to break their stick into two pieces and hold one piece in each hand. Ask how they have done this and write the various ways on the board and then enquire if there are any other ways that it could have been done.
2
Maths 4 all video resources
https://maths4all.ie/videos/ Added: 26 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Audio / VideoThese videos were created in order to support teachers in reflecting on their practice in mathematics. They represent an invitation in real classrooms, allowing teachers to focus on children's thinking and consider alternative teaching strategies. They are created to prompt reflective discussion and deepen our understanding of how we can use rich mathematical tasks to support children's mathematical development
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
Strand: Early Maths Activities
Strand unit: Classifying
Content objective: This resource should enable a child to:
- classify objects on the basis of one attribute, such as colour, shape, texture or size
- identify the complement of a set (i.e. elements not in a set)
Suggestions for use: You could discuss what the children are doing in the video or try the activity at home or in school.
Strand: Data
Strand unit: Representing and interpreting data
Content objective: This resource should enable a child to:
- match sets, equal and unequal
- represent and interpret a set of simple mathematical data using real objects, models and pictures
- represent and interpret data in two rows or columns using real objects, models and pictures
- sort and classify sets of objects by one and two criteria
- sort and classify sets of objects by one criterion
Suggestions for use: You could discuss what the children are doing in the video or try the activity at home or in school.
Strand: Number
Strand unit: Comparing & Ordering
Content objective: This resource should enable a child to:
- compare equivalent and non-equivalent sets 0-10 by matching
- compare equivalent and non-equivalent sets 1-5 by matching without using symbols
Suggestions for use: You could discuss what the children are doing in the video or try the activity at home or in school.
Strand: Measures
Strand unit: Capacity
Content objective: This resource should enable a child to:
- estimate, compare, measure and record capacity using non-standard units
- estimate, compare, measure and record the capacity of a wide variety of containers using non-standard units
Suggestions for use: You could discuss what the children are doing in the video or try the activity at home or in school.
Strand: Algebra
Suggestions for use: You could discuss what the children are doing in the video or try the activity at home or in school.
Strand: Algebra
Suggestions for use: You could discuss what the children are doing in the video or try the activity at home or in school.
3
Problem Solving For 1st and 2nd Class - Secret Number (Working Backwards)
https://nrich.maths.org/5651 Added: 26 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Assessment / Game / Lesson Plan / Tool / OtherThis game is a good one to play with young children once they are familiar with the basic number operations. They will like the idea of their number being "secret", and of course being able to work out someone else's "secret" number! Looking for a ''secret'' number is the basis for algebra and solving unknowns in equations. So as well as enjoying what they are doing, your class will be engaging with some important mathematical ideas.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 1-2
- Mathematics
Strand: Algebra
Suggestions for use: This can be made more difficult by applying the same rules to subtraction, multiplication and division
4
Paint the Squares
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/number-charts/paint-the-squares Added: 14 Jul 2017 Contributor: Aoife Byrne Resource type: Game / ToolAn interactive number charts resource with 8 different sized number grids including a regular 100 square. Children can ask each other to make a pattern of number sequences.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 1-2
- Mathematics
Strand: Algebra
Content objective: This resource should enable a child to:
- recognise pattern, including odd and even numbers
- recognise patterns and predict subsequent numbers
5
Problem Solving For 1st and 2nd Class - Colourful Jerseys
https://nzmaths.co.nz/resource/colourful-jerseys Added: 26 Mar 2020 Contributor: PDST Resource type: Assessment / Guide/notes / Lesson Plan / Tool / Scheme Of Work / ActivityThis problem involves recognising and continuing a 5 member repeating and sequential pattern. It also introduces the concept of multiples of 5 as every fifth child is wearing a red jumper. Students have to recognise the given pattern and arrange the 20 people in the given pattern to answer the questions.
View full descriptionHow it maps to the curriculum
- 1-2
- Mathematics
Strand: Algebra
Suggestions for use: Simple introduction activity that can be made more challenging by adding in an extra colour jersey or additional numbers of students.
