{"id":1618,"date":"2012-02-28T00:19:51","date_gmt":"2012-02-28T00:19:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/borenson.com\/?p=1618"},"modified":"2023-04-21T11:50:03","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T11:50:03","slug":"homeschoolmath-net-review-maria-miller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/borenson.com\/homeschoolmath-net-review-maria-miller\/","title":{"rendered":"HomeschoolMath.net Review – Maria Miller"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” css=”.vc_custom_1676934379329{margin-top: 3% !important;margin-bottom: 5% !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”1619″ image_size=”portfolio-thumb_large” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30px”][vc_custom_heading text=”Review of Hands-On Equations” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23078363″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” css_animation=”slideInUp”][vc_column_text]\n
February 28, 2012\u00a0\u00a0Review by Maria Miller, M.Sc., author of HomeschoolMath.net\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Hands-On Equations<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a><\/span>is a supplementary program that teaches students to solve linear equations using a\u00a0balance scale<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0and physical\u00a0\u201cpawns\u201d and number cubes.<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0It is basically a program using a physical manipulative for modeling and solving linear equations\u2014great for kinesthetic and visual learners.<\/p>\n Before this review, I had heard about it, and I knew it involved solving equations with a balance, as if \u201cplaying.\u201d However, once I saw the complete program, I was impressed\u2014because the system of Hands-On Equations includes not only simple equations, but also the usage of\u00a0distributive property<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0(level I),\u00a0negative unknowns<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>(level II),\u00a0negative numbers<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0(level III), AND even word problems similar to typical word problems in pre-algebra or algebra 1.<\/p>\n So it is much more than just a system of modeling the simplest equations. In the end of level III, students are solving equations such as 2(\u2212x + 6) \u2212 (\u22122) = 3x + 1! However, the system is beneficial EVEN if your child\/student gets to only do level I, which consists of only 7 lessons, because in the end of Level I, students already solve equations such as 2(x + 1) + 5 = 3x + 6.<\/p>\n Basically, the program starts out with the simplest of linear equations, such as 2x = 6 or x + 5 = 10. Students use a blue\u00a0pawn for the unknown<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>(for the \u2018x\u2019) and\u00a0number cubes for the constants<\/strong><\/span>. From level II on, they use a white pawn for (-x), also called a \u201cstar\u201d, and denoted with x. The equations are modeled on the balance so that the left side of the equation goes on the left side of the balance, and similarly for the right side.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” css=”.vc_custom_1676938402064{margin-top: 3% !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”897″ image_size=”portfolio-thumb” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30px”][vc_column_text]\n Students are instructed about \u201clegal moves\u201d with which to \u201cplay\u201d with theequations until they arrive to the solution. The legal moves of course correspond to the regular principles used in algebra. For example:<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” css=”.vc_custom_1676938426825{margin-right: 20% !important;margin-left: 20% !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”] I started both my girls with this program. The older is 9, and is currently doing 6th grade in Math Mammoth. She\u2019s breezed through Hands-On Equations and it has been fairly easy for her. Setting up an equation for the word problems (in the Introductory Word Problems book) has been a little bit difficult at times. However, she can easily solve all the word problems in that book without using the balance scale.<\/p>\n The easiness may be partly due to the fact that I have included simple equations in Math Mammoth grades 4-6, and even one lesson in both Math Mammoth 4th and Math Mammoth 5th grade curricula about solving equations using a balance. Those two lessons correspond to the first few lessons of Hands-On Equations in difficulty.<\/p>\n I think she is now extremely well prepared to learn linear equations in prealgebra\u2026 we should go through that with great ease.<\/p>\n The younger also started out enthusiastically, but somewhere along the way the equations got too difficult and confusing to her\u2014which is not surprising as she\u2019s only 7. But she had no difficulties in level I.<\/p>\n I think this is a\u00a0terrific supplement<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0to any math curriculum and truly helps students to\u00a0think algebraically<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0and teaches them\u00a0how to<\/span> solve equations<\/span><\/strong>. It is a great program for students in grades 4-6, preparing them for pre-algebra. You could ALSO use it with students who might lack motivation and who need to get that \u201cspark\u201d back, or just to show students how fun math can be!<\/p>\n Then, as far as prealgebrand and algebra students, being a physical manipulative, I feel it benefits MOST those students who have trouble understanding the abstract concepts in beginning algebra. It lets students TOUCH and FEEL and SEE and manipulate the pieces, which makes the concepts \u201ccome alive.\u201d I don\u2019t think it is necessary for strong algebra students\u2014they can grasp the principles and \u201cvisualize\u201d the equations even without a manipulative.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all” css=”.vc_custom_1676934379329{margin-top: 3% !important;margin-bottom: 5% !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”894″ image_size=”portfolio-thumb” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”center” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30px”][vc_column_text]\n You might wonder, does this system REPLACE the instruction for algebra? No, not by any means. First of all, a typical algebra course (such as algebra I) covers many more topics than just linear equations. Secondly, Hands-On Equations does not deal with all possible variants of linear equations. It does not include cases where you have fractions or decimals in the equation.<\/p>\n However, it CAN replace the beginning instruction for linear equations (as in pre-algebra or algebra 1). After or during the program, students will need to learn the regular notation for solving equations so that they can then go on in their algebra studies to other topics and to linear equations with fractions and decimals.<\/p>\n If you are interested, check out the\u00a0website<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and also their\u00a0YouTube channel<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n