Description
Hands-On Equations
A Powerful Learning Methodology!
Hands-On Equations is a supplementary program that can be used with any math curriculum to provide students with a concrete foundation for algebra. This hands-on, intuitive approach enhances student self-esteem and interest in mathematics for students in grades 3 and up. The instructional approach used in Hands-On Equations is called the concrete-pictorial-abstract (C-P-A) instructional approach.
What are the benefits of using Hands-On Equations?
- 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 with gifted students as early as the 2nd grade, average students as early as 3rd grade, and students with learning disabilities as early as 4th grade; it also serves as an excellent component of a middle-school pre-algebra program.
- Students attain a high level of success with the program.
- The program provides students with a strong foundation for later algebraic studies.
Level 1: Lessons 1 – 7 Red Booklet
Students use the red cubes and blue pawns to set up and solve equations such as:
4x + 3 = 3x + 9 and 2(2x + 1) = 3x + 10.
Students use the red cubes and blue pawns to set up and solve equations such as 4x + 3 = 3x + 9 and 2(2x + 1) = 3x + 10. They then use “legal moves” to simplify the setup and solve for the unknown. The program does not require any prior algebraic background.
Level 2: Lessons 8 – 16 Blue Booklet
Students use the red cubes, blue pawns, and white pawns to set up and solve equations such as: 2x = x + 6 and 2x – x + 2 = x + 10.
Note: Star, written as an x with a crossbar through it, x, is a new mathematical notation developed by Dr. Borenson for the opposite of x. It is a more compact symbol than the traditional notation, (-x).
Once students have learned the algebraic concepts using the star notation and the white pawn, they are then ready to transfer their learning and make sense of examples such as 2x + (-x) + 3 = 2(-x) + 12 and 2x – (-x) = 15.
Paul Sjoberg –
I am using this with my kids during the summer while school is out. My kids are having the best time learning algebra using this kit.
Customer Review –
This is a game-changing kit to introduce students to algebraic equations. The hands-on method utilized here is absolutely the best way to help kids conceptualize what they’re working with when they start learning this new – for them – area of math. This kit is well built and utilizes bright colors, which I think helps kids stay focused and energized around the subject. This is the best kit of this kind that I’ve seen so far!
Top Reviewer –
Hands-On Equations is a brilliant way to introduce pre-algebra concepts through fun, hands-on learning that works with students of all levels. My kids quickly grasped how to balance equations using the pawns and cubes, and they stayed engaged thanks to the game-like format. It’s an outstanding resource that builds real math confidence and sets a strong foundation for future algebra success. This box comes with 20 sets.
Customer Review –
When I incorporated this set into my tutoring session, I felt like it really helped my students. For example, students work through an equation by representing and manipulating the physical pieces. This helps increase their understanding of the content. They are not just mindlessly adding/subtracting. The set included a bunch of tools for teachers and worksheets for students. Overall, this hands-on learning set, provided students the opportunity to be engaged in their learning while also actually developing a foundation for future studies.
J. Weber –
I love math and wanted to share that with our 9 year old granddaughter. This hands on set makes the concepts so visual and the bright red and blue colors add a touch of fun. We have been working with this intermittently during the past month ( busy time with spring break and school games). We both enjoy the concept and it is and will be a wonderful resource to fully use. The set makes it much easier to visualize the steps in algebra. We enjoy using it, will most likely get more involved after schools games are over. Would be a wonderful resource for a school.
fab –
The Hands-On Equations® Class Set is an excellent resource for teaching algebra concepts. The teacher demonstration balance scale is easy to use, and the game pieces make learning interactive and fun. With 30 sets of student manipulatives, it’s perfect for classroom use. The students are engaged, and it really helps them understand algebraic equations in a hands-on way. Highly recommend for teachers looking for an effective teaching tool!
Everyday is Blessing –
I think this really engaged the kids while helping them learn basic algebra.
I couldn’t be happier with the results—highly recommended!
I took this to the charity office where some less fortunate kids stay while their families run errands or go to work. A couple of volunteers, who are also teachers, used it to spend quality time with the kids while educating them, and they were very impressed.
Definitely recommended for any teachers who want to teach without making learning feel boring!
Join.S.C. –
Cracked open the Hands‑On Equations class set and my third‑graders swarmed the balance scale like seagulls on fries. Plastic pawns and number cubes let them physically “see” both sides of an equation, so 4x + 3 felt less like hieroglyphics and more like Lego math. I demoed, then split them into groups; within minutes even the math‑shy crew was racing to balance 2(x + 1) against 3x + 12.
Cards walk through progressive levels; early wins build swagger before variables pile up. Each student kit fits in a zip bag—no lost pieces floating around desks. The teacher manual offers scripted mini‑lessons that still leave room for freestyle. By lesson six we’d grazed linear equations, and kids begged for harder puzzles at recess.
Laminate on the balance board wipes clean after dry‑erase marker annotations, extending life way beyond one school year. We paired it with a doc‑cam so remote learners joined the manipulation party. Parents emailed saying homework arguments disappeared because the kids could “show” the problem instead of stare at worksheets.
If your classroom needs a tactile jolt that bridges concrete brains to abstract algebra, this set turns x’s and y’s into carnival tokens everybody wants to play with.
Joost Santos –
This Hands-On Equations® Class Set is a powerful teaching tool for introducing algebra to students in grade 3 and up. With an intuitive, visual, and kinesthetic approach, it simplifies equation solving through interactive manipulatives and game-like lessons. Developed by Dr. Henry Borenson, this patented system enables students to grasp algebraic concepts quickly and with confidence. Used in classrooms since 1986, it has successfully helped over a million students build a strong foundation in algebra while making math fun and engaging!
Mike –
This is an easy way to teach a student (recommended to be at least the third grade) algebra. It can be used by a teacher, parents doing home schooling, or tutoring / extra parent help for a student who is struggling. It is an interactive experience that lets them see what’s going on, which is very helpful if they’re having trouble abstractly understanding it. That’s really important for someone who has a different learning style that isn’t working with the traditional algebra teaching methods.
Johnathan –
I got this Hands-On Equations® Class Set for a teacher friend of mine after seeing firsthand how hard it is for educators to get quality resources in their classrooms. Let me just say—this kit is worth every penny and then some.
Before passing it along, I had to try it out myself. As someone who struggled through Algebra back in the day, this system blew me away. The physical manipulatives bring equations to life in a way that just clicks. I actually found myself having fun solving problems, and for the first time ever, I understood concepts that used to leave me confused. Mr. Neal—my old math teacher from three decades ago—if you’re out there, I finally get it!
The kit is incredibly well-organized. It includes a sturdy teacher demonstration scale, game pieces, and 30 individual student sets—perfect for full-class engagement. It’s not just about memorization; it’s about genuine understanding. Visual learners, kinesthetic learners, and even those who typically struggle with abstract concepts will benefit from this approach.
My teacher friend lit up when I gave it to her. This resource is a blessing for any classroom from grade 3 up. If you’re looking for something that turns Algebra from intimidating to intuitive, this is it. Highly, highly recommended.
The mom that reviews. –
Excited about this set ,it comes with everything a teacher would need
AC –
My wife is tutoring three kids and they were planning on starting algebra when she came across this set.
She went onto the product website and watched most of the intro video on how to use it. Once she understood the method she said it was very easy to follow, and the kids grasped it at their own levels.
Dr. Borenson approaches the discussion of algebra as symbols and not a bunch of equations. He also encourages mental math, or showing the steps equally.
This seems to have taken the overwhelm out of one of the kiddo’s eyes, which makes it worth it right there!
Thank you for reading, I hope it was helpful.
Tenor sax –
I have used this program for years and love it. The students enjoy working with the pieces and it helps them learn to solve equations of various lengths.
maria Marrero –
Excellent to close the school year with some 5th grade algebraic strategies. My students love the game and turn it into real operations.
Jeanelle Peet –
I teach middle school, Algebra 1, and Geometry for a small Catholic school. I used this product for math tutoring. The students that came in HATED math. These students would cry in math because it never made sense to them. Within our first hour together, these same students were solving mylti-step equations with variables on both sides. They were able to flip between abstract equations and concrete manipulatives. One student has had an IEP for math . This student self taught lessons 3-9 after exposure to the first two lessons. Miracle application for those students that feel they are not good at math or don’t understand math.
Buist Lide –
This product is just as advertised and was a big help with my students!
Teacher –
This is the best set of algebra manipulatives that I’ve found!
Rowena V. West –
This product is outstanding for teaching students Algebra. It take them from concrete to representational and finally, abstract. The formula for total success!
Staci J. McDaniel –
I’m a math educator and am completely in love with Hands-On Equations!! Last year, I used it for 5th grade enrichment. It’s such an amazing product that I even worked with a 1st grader last year to do problems such as: 3(x+2)+x=x+9!!! When algebra is taught at the conceptual level, it’s amazing how simple it is!! This product is a MUST-HAVE for middle schools!!! They have multiple class size kits sizes and even a digital version! Best product ever!
Jonathan Dowell –
I first saw this used at a demonstration in which the superintendent was asked to provide some students who were NOT mathematically inclined; he went to the innermost of the inner city middle & elementary schools and had them send students of middling performance, most of who confessed that they hated math. After about 15 minutes of demonstrating how to use the kit, the kids were experts at solving 2, 3, and 4-step algebraic equations – and none of them were yet in Pre-Algebra -and they were asking form more problems! The most avid solver was the first to admit he hated math, & it was later revealed that he was ADHD & had not taken his medication that morning! That was 25 years ago, and I still use this.
jbatti –
This is the most effective way of teaching beginning algebra ever. It is so clear and being hands on it really helps the students remember what to do. Superb product. I’ve been teaching for 40 years and this is the best kit I’ve ever seen.
Picqued –
These are the best for making beginning algebra Hands On!