This week further reinforced our understanding in the importance of Algebra. The main concept similar to last week is Algebra is a statement of a relationship between two variables. Algebra begins in the Foundation Year where children are taught to create and explore new ideas and key processes. There are two different types of patterns which relate to Algebra being: Geometrical Pattern and the Number Pattern, both of which begin in the Foundation Year and are carried through to Primary and Secondary school. It is important to note the difference between Formula and Formulae while a Formula is an equation a Formulae however is a statement of relationships between two variables.
Concepts, Skills and Strategies:
Concepts- It is the process of building and describing a pattern as well as this the concept of algebra also includes pattern, sequencing and generalisation which simply stands for a statement of relationship as mentioned previously. Further concepts also include Equivalence and Equation where the sign "=" stands for a point of balance, where one side has to be equal to the other for a state of balance to be met.
Skills- There are a number of skills used to help understand and work through algebraic equations. Skills such as: recognising patterns, growing a pattern, the process of repeating and describing a pattern.
Strategies- The use of materials or other manipulative can help with the process of solving an equation. Materials such as MAB blocks or balancing scales are useful in visualising the equation.
Misconceptions:
As algebra is a complex concept to grasp there are many misconceptions that can occur. A common misconception among children is the difference between an Expression and Equation. An expression does not have a statement of equality or equal sign although it is a part of an algebraic equation, an example would be 7n + 3x-1 ( this would be a form of an expression). An equation however, has an equal sign a form of an equation would be 4x +5=2x+13.
Resources:
Stemming from last weeks post ACARA's description of Algebra in the Foundation Year under the subheading "Patterns and Algebra" can be defined as classifying familiar objects and explain the classifications. Furthermore, specific references to numeracy should be provided with understanding of patterns and the relationship within these patterns.
Sourced Teaching Strategy:
(Jamieson-Proctor, R. ( 2019) Powerpoint presentation )
Following last week, the textbook outlines Algebra and Algebraic thinking in Chapter 15 when it states that it is: a study of patterns and relationship, a way of thinking, it is characterised by order and consistency, used to define terms and symbols and it is a tool. Primary students learn to develop algebraic thinking through modelling, generalising and justifying by explaining their reasoning or thinking behind their answers. Algebra is an essential part of the curriculum in the Primary years, as it builds on their understanding of Problems, Patterns and Relations.
References:
Jamieson-Proctor, R. (2019). Learning Environment Online: Log in to the site. Retrieved from https://leo.acu.edu.au/mod/book/view.php?id=2406589&chapterid=190027
Mathematics. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/mathematics/?strand=Number+and+Algebra&strand=Measurement+and+Geometry&strand=Statistics+and+Probability&capability=ignore&priority=ignore&year=11751&elaborations=true
Reys, R. (2017). Helping children learn mathematics (2nd ed., pp. 485,487,488). Milton, Qld: Wiley.
Search - Scootle. (2018). Retrieved from http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/search?accContentId=ACMNA005
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