Question 1

What makes up The Hands-On Equations Learning System?

anthony · Accepted Answer

The Hands-On Equations Learning System is the full program for working with one student at a time. It includes the teachers’ instructional manuals for all three levels, the set of class work sheets (without reproduction rights, except for home use), the answer key, and one set of student game pieces. Note: The Teachers’ Demonstration Scale and Game Pieces are not included in the individual set.

Question 2

What comes in the Hands-On Equations Deluxe Home Set?

anthony · Accepted Answer

The Deluxe Home Set includes The Hands-On Equations Learning System, the Hands-On Equations Introductory Verbal Problems Workbook, and the DVD Instructional Manual.

Question 3

Is multiplication or division a prerequisite for using Hands-On Equations?

anthony · Accepted Answer

Students need not know how to multiply or divide before using Hands-On Equations. They should, however, be able to do simple addition, such as 8 + 7 and 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7. These addition skills will come in handy in doing the check.

Question 4

How long is a typical Hands-On Equations lesson?

anthony · Accepted Answer

The length of a Hands-On Equations lesson varies with the lesson and the student population and can take between 20 and 50 minutes, including the completion of the worksheet. The introductory component by the teacher, and two practice problems, might take 10-20 minutes; the time to complete the worksheet might take 10 to 30 minutes.

Question 5

What happens when students no longer use the game pieces? How do they transfer their learning?

anthony · Accepted Answer

Lesson 7 of Hands-On Equations introduces students to a pictorial notation they can use to solve the equations. Hence, they are no longer dependent on the concrete materials to solve equations such as 4x + 3 = 3x + 9 or 2(2x + 4) = x + 14. Many students can also transfer their learning to a mental solution as noted here.

Question 6

When do I introduce my Hands-On Equations students to the abstract written solution?

Henry Borenson · Accepted Answer

We recommend that you complete Level 1 of Hands-On Equations, including Lesson 7 which introduces the pictorial notation. After that, you may introduce the mental solution. For example in the equation 4x + 5 = 3x + 13, the students would visualize taking away 3x's or three pawns from each side, as well as taking off a 5-value from the cubes on both sides. They now mentally see two pawns worth 8, so each pawn or x is 4. If you are working with students in the 5th grade or higher, you may introduce the abstract written solution once you complete Lesson 7. See Lesson 26 in the green manual for suggestions.

Question 7

What are the objectives of Hands-On Equations?

Henry Borenson · Accepted Answer

The Hands-On Equations program is intended to provide students in Grades 3 and up with a solid foundation for linear equations. In six lessons they learn to solve equations such a 4x + 3 = 3x + 9 and 2(2x + 1) = 3x + 12. Other important objectives are enhancing student interest in mathematics and self-perception and confidence in mathematics.

Question 8

I am a homeschooler. How early can I introduce my child to Algebra using Hands-On Equations?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

You may begin as early as age eight if your child can do simple sums, such as 7 + 8, count by 7’s, etc.

Question 9

Does Hands-On Equations require any prior knowledge of algebra?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

No. The program does not assume any previous knowledge of algebra on either the part of the child or the parent.

Question 10

What must I purchase to teach Hands-On Equations to my two children simultaneously?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

The Hands-On Equations Learning System or the Deluxe Home Set comes with one student kit. Hence, you will want to purchase an additional Student Kit (K-1000) for a second child.

Question 11

Do I need the DVD Instructional Manual to use Hands-On Equations with my child?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

Our printed manuals are well illustrated, so you should not need the DVD. However, it is beneficial to have it because you and your child will see a video presentation of each lesson.

Question 12

When should I begin introducing my child to the Hands-On Equations Introductory Verbal Problems Workbook?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

We suggest you start the verbal problems after the child has completed Level I of the program, which consists of the first seven lessons.

Question 13

My 14-year-old son is having trouble with algebra in school. Can Hands-On Equations help him?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. The program has been effective in helping students to develop a robust conceptual understanding of linear equations, which serves as a solid foundation for their algebraic journey.

Question 14

Is Hands-On Equations a full-year algebra course?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

No. The program consists of 26 lessons intended to enable the student to develop a firm grasp of linear equations. It does not discuss second-degree equations or many other topics in a full-year algebra course.

Question 15

How long is a typical Hands-On Equations Lesson?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

Many lessons can be completed in 20 to 40 minutes. This includes understanding the lesson, doing the two sample problems, and completing the lesson worksheet.

Question 16

Do the Hands-On Equations apps cover the same material as the physical program?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

The Hands-On Equations 1, 2, and 3 apps do not include the three pictorial lessons. Otherwise, it covers all of the content of the learning system.

Question 17

How can I expect my child to benefit from Hands-On Equations?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

Due to students’ success with the program, you can expect to see a greater interest in mathematics and a greater level of self-confidence concerning math.

Question 18

What is the difference between the two Hands-On Equations verbal problems books?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

The Hands-On Equations Introductory Verbal Problems Workbook is intended for students in grades 3 – 6 and focuses on verbal problems involving Level I of Hands-On Equations. Also, a solution template is provided to assist the student. The Hands-On Equations Verbal Problems Book has more than 300 verbal problems on all three levels of Hands-On Equations and is intended for students in grades 6 – 12.

Question 19

How does the Developing Fractions Sense program differ from Hands-On Equations Fractions?

geremyg · Accepted Answer

The Developing Fractions Sense A, B, and C programs focus on the fraction concepts students are expected to learn in Grades 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The Hands-On Equations Fractions program extends the Hands-On Equations program for solving linear equations to linear equations with fractional coefficients.

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Hands-On Equations® Teacher Materials

Making Algebra Child's Play® in grades 3 and up.

Benefit your students with this powerful tool for teaching equations!

The Hands-On Equations Learning System

Hands-On Equations Class Set

The Hands-On Equations Instructional DVD

Hands-On Equations Student Kit

Teacher Demonstration Balance Scale and Game Pieces

Additional Classwork Sheets & Answer key

Hands-On Equations Verbal Problems Introductory Workbook

The Hands-On Equations Verbal Problems Book

Verbal Problems Book Level I – Blackline Masters

Hands-On Equations for the SMART Board

Hands-On Equations Interactive for the Windows PC

Hands-On Equations for the Interactive Whiteboard

Hands-On Equations Introductory Verbal Problems for the Interactive Whiteboard – Windows Download

Support FAQ Hands-On Equations