Mathematics / Year 7 / Algebra

Curriculum content descriptions

recognise and use variables to represent everyday formulas algebraically and substitute values into formulas to determine an unknown (AC9M7A01)

Elaborations
  • linking variables to attributes and measures being modelled when using formulas, such as the area of a rectangle is equal to the length x width as \(A\;=\;l\;\times\;w\) or using \(p\;=\;6g\;+\;b\) to describe a total of points expressed as goals (worth \(6\) points) and behinds (worth one point)
  • interpreting and using formulas obtained from other sources; for example, maximum heart rates and target heart rates for moderate exercise
  • substituting numerical values for variables when using formulas and calculating the value of an unknown in practical situations; for example, calculating weekly wage \(W\) given base wage \(b\) and overtime hours \(h\) at \(1.5\) times rate \(r\), \(W\;=\;b+1.5\times h\times r\), using values for mass \(m\) and volume \(v\) to determine density \(d\) of a substance where \(d\;=\;\frac mv\)
  • using everyday formulas and their application to contexts on Country/Place, investigating the relationships between variables
General capabilities
  • Critical and creative thinking Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Numeracy Numeracy
ScOT terms

Substitution,  Variables (Mathematics),  Equations

Video

Algebra basics video

Use this video as a springboard to introduce algebraic thinking, and to apply that thinking to a financial context, drawing on reasoning.

Online

Formulating algebraic expressions

This lesson encompasses students’ introduction to formal algebraic concepts. Students will be introduced to the concept of variables and will explore the construction of algebraic expressions using concrete materials. Students explore a range of authentic contexts and hands-on materials in this lesson to ensure their initial ...

Online

Use variables: Year 7 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 7 is for the topic of Use variables. Students students recognise pronumerals and variables in formulas they have been exposed to. They are presented real-life scenarios and explore the relationship between variables using algebraic notation as a representation.

Online

Introduction to algebra

This is a website designed for both teachers and students that addresses the introduction of algebra. It is particularly relevant for introducing the idea of the use of a variable as a way of representing numbers. There are pages for both teachers and students. The student pages contain interactive questions for students ...

Online

reSolve: Algebra - Prisms and pyramids

This lesson engages students in investigating the relationship between the number of faces, edges and vertices of pyramids and prisms. Students construct their own 3D shapes, systematically record the properties of the shape and develop an algebraic formula to generalise the relationships discovered. The lesson is outlined ...

Online

Expressions, formulas and substitution

In the lesson ‘Formulating algebraic expressions’, students were introduced to variables and forming algebraic expressions. In this lesson, students continue to develop these skills and will explore substituting values into familiar and unfamiliar formulas to determine an unknown. Students explore substitution in a range ...

Online

Shapes and objects: Year 7 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 7 is for the topic of Shapes and objects. Students build on their knowledge of two-dimensional shapes. They classify triangles according to their side length (scalene, isosceles, equilateral) and their angle properties (right, acute, obtuse). Students identify and describe different quadrilaterals ...

Video

Proportional reasoning video

Use this video as a springboard to explore scaling or proportional thinking, and to apply that thinking in a food context, drawing on reasoning and mathematical modelling.

Online

Algorithms: Year 7 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 7 is for the topic of Algorithms. Students are introduced to the use of algorithms for sorting and classifying. They can use flow charts to do this. Algorithmic thinking is a design process and flow charts are used to show a sequence of steps and/or instructions and require decision making ...

Online

When I post something online how permanent is it?

Students engage in a photo rip up activity to emphasize the permanency of online information, they explore factor trees, doubling and line graphs through the lens of sharing information, and they collaboratively develop a set of protocols around sharing information online.

Online

Mathematical modelling (Number): Year 7 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 7 is for the topic of Mathematical modelling. Students use knowledge of the other topics in the Number strand, so that applying knowledge and skills can be modelled. This can be done in groups or as a whole class, as well as individually. Collaborative learning works well for practical problems.

Online

Estimation and reasonableness: Year 7 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 7 is for the topic of Estimation and reasonableness. Students round decimals to a specified number of decimal places and connect the process of rounding up or down to prior experiences in rounding.

Online

Conduct chance experiments: Year 7 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 7 is for the topic of Conduct chance experiments. Students predict the frequency of an outcome of repeated chance experiments. They conduct simulations using digital tools to generate and record the outcomes, and observe the effect of many trials on the outcome. They then compare observed ...

Online

Graphs: formulas and variables

In this lesson, students use algebra and linear equations to model two real-world scenarios to find information to make the best choice. Students set the aim of saving for a mobile phone (or similar goal) and use linear equations to model the pay rates of two part-time jobs to help make the better decision. This lesson ...

Online

Tax, Super + You

Tax, Super + You is designed to provide teachers and parents with practical resources to help students in Years 7-12 understand the value of tax and superannuation, and have confidence when entering the workforce. Registration for a free account is required to access the full suite of materials.

Video

Volume and mathematical modelling video

Use this video as a springboard to explore volume of composite shapes, adjusting numbers to make calculations friendlier and draw on reasoning and mathematical modelling.

Online

Volume and surface area: Year 7 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 7 is for the topic of Volume and surface area. Students become familiar with the concepts of volume and surface area. They understand that volume is the amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional (3D) object and is measured in cubic units.

Video

Algebraic equations: video and teaching guide

This video uses an everyday scenario of three people sharing a taxi ride to explore algebraic thinking, and to apply that thinking to a financial context, drawing on reasoning and mathematical modelling. Use the video with the supporting teacher guide as a springboard to explore mathematical concepts. The teacher guide ...

Online

Area and perimeter: Year 7 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 7 is for the topic of Area and perimeter. Students should be familiar with the concept of area and how to find the area of a rectangle. They will extend this knowledge to find the formulas for the areas of other shapes, such as a parallelogram and triangles.

Online

Conduct statistical investigations: Year 7 – planning tool

This planning resource for Year 7 is for the topic of Conduct statistical investigations. Student have been learning about measures of spread in terms of mean, median, mode and range. They use these values to interpret data and data displays. They are familiar with statistical terminology and are ready to conduct their ...