Forming Algebraic Expressions - Words & Shapes. Examples, Quizzes, Differentiated Q's and Exam Q's

Updated 22nd September 2017
(All answers are provided)

I've designed this lesson to build up students knowledge of forming algebraic expressions.
It begins with identifying what the different mathematical algebraic terms are.
This then leads to discussion over expressions and what they represent through looking at unknown quantities.
Students are then asked to pretend they are waiters and to take the orders of the their peers. I then have a discussion about how we could speed up noting information down and look at how the letters used don't have to be the first letter of a word.
We then look at scenarios of what expressions could mean in terms of age.

Now to examples, pictures are used in examples where appropriate to help embed understanding.
2 simple worded examples lead to mini whiteboard questions
3 worded examples lead to mini whiteboard questions.
2 shape examples lead to mini whiteboard questions.

There is a pointless quiz activity with two rounds which can be used to help stop misconceptions before the main differentiated activity. (Teacher Guidance notes are within the slides for this activity, however it's pretty straight forward if you have seen the TV show.)

The resource then in includes a differentiated focused activity which progressively gets harder. This gives students a chance to master and enhance their skills. It includes 5 separate sections a skill 1, 2 & 3 and a stretch. These are all displayed on the same slide for ease of use.

Then to finish there is an application on how this could be seen in an exam situation including answers.
I hope you find this resource as useful as my students have.

Miss B