Strategies for Scaffolding - Ari Watkins

Grade 8 Pre-Algebra

Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations.


CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.B.3


Solve multi-step real-life and mathematical problems posed with positive and negative rational numbers in any form (whole numbers, fractions, and decimals), using tools strategically. Apply properties of operations to calculate with numbers in any form; convert between forms as appropriate; and assess the reasonableness of answers using mental computation and estimation strategies.text

Key Factors

Big Ideas

Learning Objectives

  1. Students will be able to understand and determine what a real-world multistep problem is asking
  1. Students will be able to identify correct steps to be taken in multi-step real world problems and solve problems
  1. Students will be able to construct simple equations and equalities to solve problems
  1. Students will create simple equations and solve problems from word problems
  1. Students will create multistep problems from word problems by changing the form of the number if necessary
  1. Students will be given a worksheet with a missing number or variable and students will have to solve to find the answer
  1. Students will be given word problems with multiple steps with a worksheet to guide them. The worksheet will have less direction on it and the student will be asked to fill in the blanks to navigate the problem.
  1. Students are given multistep word problems with numbers in different forms. They will create and solve equations from the word problem on their own.
  1. Students will read word problems with highlighted numbers tha correlate to the equation they have to create. They will fill in a worksheet that walks them through the word problem, helping them solve the equation step by step.
  1. Students will draw pictures of the pictures of the beginning problem and of the end of the problem and will determine how to get from point A to point B and write a corresponding equation that they think gets them to the answer
  1. Students will read a word problem and highlight words that they think indicate the steps they must take to solve the equation
  1. Students will write equations from multi step word problems without the help of a worksheet or teacher and solve for answers

Apply the properties of operations to solve numbers given in any form such as decimals, positive or negative integers, fractions etc.

Solve multi-step real world problems using prior mathematical knowledge.

Assess the reasonableness of answers using mental math and estimation

Prior Knowledge - Because of the small size of the school, there are only a few classes at each math level. For me, this means that I have students at levels all over the map. For most of my students who are at higher levels, there is more of a focus on word problems and understanding what a problem is asking. For those at a lower math skill, there is more of a focus on the basics before overwhelming them with a lot of English vocabulary

Interests/Learning Profile - Math is one of the hardest subject to make "come alive". I try to give projects and use visuals whenever I can to cement understanding concepts whenever possible. Sometimes it's as simple as using in class examples of the students in the class doing silly things and drawing them on the whiteboard just to paint a visual for kids .

English Readiness - A lot of the students that attend my class are at various levels of English comprehension. So there ends up being a lot of differentiation in terms for both English level and math level. Vocabulary is especially important at this stage because even if they know the basics, there is a good chance that they won't know the corresponding vocabulary to go with it.