HANDSOn EQUATIONS

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HANDS-On EQUATIONS

• Mathematics Coaches Training
• November 13, 2009
• Presented by
• Carla Clayton-Lewis
• Mathematics Instructional Specialist
• Capacity Development and School Reform
  Accountability

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Group Expectations

• Silence cell phones
• Participate and share
• Listen with an open mind
• Ask questions
• Work toward solutions
• Use time effectively

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What is Hands-On Equations?

• Hands-On Equations is a visual and kinesthetic
  system developed by Dr. Henry Borenson for
  introducing students in grades 3 to 8 to
  essential algebraic concepts.
• It is a system designed to enhance student
  self-esteem and interest in mathematics.

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Hands-On Equations (contd)

• In a few lessons students learn to solve
  equations such as 
• 4x 3 3x 9 and 2(2x 1) x 8. Later
  lessons teach additional concepts.
• The students physically set up the equation using
  the game pieces and a flat laminated balance and
  then proceed to carry out "legal moves" to solve
  the equation.
• The legal moves are the physical counterpart of
  the abstract mathematical principles which are
  used to solve these equations.

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What are the benefits of using Hands-On
Equations?

• No algebraic prerequisites are required
• It is a game-like approach that fascinates
  students
• The gestures or "legal moves" used to solve the
  equations reinforce the concepts at a deep
  kinesthetic level
• The program can be used as early as the 3rd grade
  with gifted students, 4th grade with average
  students and 5th grade with LD students

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Benefits of using Hands-On Equations (contd)

• Students attain a high level of success with the
  program
• The program provides students with a strong
  foundation for later algebraic studies
• The concepts and skills presented are essential
  for success in an Algebra 1 class

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Hands-On Equations Sample Equations Three Levels

• Level I Lessons 1 - 7 Red Booklet.  Students
  use the red cubes and blue pawns to setup and
  solve 
• 4x 3 3x 9 and 2( 2x 1) 3x 10
• Level II Lessons 8 - 16 Blue Booklet. 
  Students use the red cubes, blue pawns, and white
  pawns to setup and solve
• 2x 6 and 2x - 2 10
• Level III Lessons 17 - 26 Green Booklet. 
  Students use the red cubes, blue pawns, white
  pawns, and green cubes to setup and solve
• 2 3 -6 x and x 2 ( 2) 5

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Using the Hands-On Equations Pretest Activity
YOU DO!

• You will be given a set of questions to answer
  without any directions on how to answer the
  questions.
• Your task is to
• Answer the questions without
• the use of manipulatives.

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Its time to Explore and Practice using

A Step by Step visual guide to Hands-On Equations
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Mathematics Capacity Development Team
Michelle White, Mathematics Manager Michelle.white
_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us

Shabana Ahmad-Farook farook_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us B
obbie Brooks brooksb_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us Dale
Carothers carothers_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us Cara
Hayden haydenc_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us Carla
Clayton-Lewis claytoc_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us Stephen
Smith Stephen.Smith_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us

• Altoria Henley altoria.henley_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us
• Sharon Martinez
• martinezs_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us
• Kim Pirtle
• pirtlk_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us
• Carol Sheffield
• sheffic_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us
• Noel Elvir
• Noel.Elvir_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us
• Allison Castellano
• CastellA_at_palmbeach.k12.fl.us

Thank you for all that you do for our students!