By DONNA NEWCOMB
Published: Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 12:48 PM
Paris Post-Intelligencer, Paris, TN<\/p>\n
Fifth-graders across the state are learning how to solve linear equations and perform algebraic functions. This is why Paris Elementary School teacher Becky Cate applied for a Plus Endowment grant.<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause learning algebra is such an abstract concept for students, we wanted to incorporate kinesthetic methods to better help them grasp the concept,\u201d she said. \u201cWhat better way to teach students algebra than to use a hands-on approach?\u201d<\/p>\n
Her grant has allowed her to purchase Hands-On Equations, a program with a game-like approach. Through the program the teacher first models problems step by step. The students then physically set up the equation using the game pieces and a flat laminated balance and then proceed to carry out \u2018legal moves\u2019 to solve the equation, Cate explained.<\/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_1676934604121{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=”1672″ 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”][vc_custom_heading text=”-photo provided by Becky Cate” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center|color:%23078363″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” css_animation=”slideInUp”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30px”][vc_column_text]Students in Becky Cate\u2019s fifth-grade class at Paris Elementary School play a game called Hands-On Equations purchased through a Plus Endowment grant this year. The students physically solve the algebraic equations by playing the game and then transfer their learning to pencil and paper problems.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe legal moves are the physical counterpart of the abstract mathematical principles which are used to solve these equations \u2026 it fascinates students and motivates them while learning algebra,\u201d Cate said.<\/p>\n
She explained that after students \u201csee\u201d how the equations are solved, and the algebraic equations are learned, students will be able to transfer their learning to pencil and paper problems.<\/p>\n
Students learn to solve simple equations and progress to more equations involving positive and negative integers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe purpose of incorporating Hands-On Equations in our classrooms is to empower students to work with difficult algebraic concepts they would otherwise renounce as impossible,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
It is Cate\u2019s hope that students will develop a strong foundation in algebra and achieve success at higher levels.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs educators, we strive to seek innovative ways to reach out to students who learn in different ways. This hands-on approach could possibly trigger a \u2018light bulb moment\u2019 we teachers celebrate,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Fifth-graders across the state are learning how to solve linear equations and perform algebraic functions. This is why Paris Elementary School teacher Becky Cate applied for a Plus Endowment grant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1673,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n