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Balance the cups: use the rule 1

Learning objects Balance the cups: use the rule 1

TLF ID L5975

Put blocks into the cups on the scales to make them balance, using the number rule A = B + C. Use your knowledge of addition to help you work out how many blocks you need in each cup. Finish the number sentence to show an equal number of blocks on each side. This learning object is the first in a series of three learning objects.

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Educational details

Key learning objectives
  • Students apply an additive number relationship to determine a range of values for variables.
  • Students construct number sentences to record the equivalent relations by inserting one or two missing values.
Educational value
  • Provides experience in basic algebraic thinking by applying rules and constructing equations using strategies such as substituting values and noticing patterns.
  • Promotes understanding that an equation is an expression of equality.
  • An equal-arm balance (scales) provides a dynamic model of equality that allows the student to explore number relations.
  • Includes a print option that provides a record of the solution and a new similar problem to solve.
Year level

1; 2

TopicsAddition; Equations; Scales (Equipment)
Learning area
  • mathematics
Strand
  • Mathematics/Number and algebra
    Concept
    • Mathematics/Number concepts
    • Mathematics/Number operations
    • Mathematics/Number patterns
    • Mathematics/Number relationships
    • Mathematics/Number sentences
    • Mathematics/Numbers
    • Mathematics/Thinking
    • Mathematics/Simple equations
    • Mathematics/Reasoning
    • Mathematics/Working mathematically
    • Mathematics/Equations
    • Mathematics/Algebra
    • Mathematics/Algebraic methods
    • Mathematics/Arithmetic
    Skill
    • Knowledge;
    • Comprehension;
    • Application;
    • Analysis
    Student activity
    • Interactives;
    • Experiment;
    • Analysis;
    • Modelling
    Learning design
    • Experiential learning;
    • Independent learning;
    • Problem solving;
    • Visual learning

    Other details

    Contributors
    • Publisher
    • Date of contribution: 20 Sep 2013
    • Organisation: Education Services Australia
    • Address: Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
    • URL: http://www.esa.edu.au/
    • Script writer
    • Organisation: CADRE Design
    • Address: Ultimo NSW
    • Subject matter expert
    • Name: Dr Jenni Way
    • Organisation: University of Western Sydney
    • Address: Penrith NSW
    • Technical implementer
    • Organisation: CADRE Design
    • Address: Ultimo NSW
    • Validator
    • Name: Graham Jones
    • Organisation: Griffith University
    • Address: Broadbeach Qld
    Access profile
    • Colour independence
    • Device independence
    • Hearing independence
    Learning resource type
    • Interactive Resource
    Browsers
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer - minimum version: 8.0 (MS-Windows) - maximum version: 9.0 (MS-Windows)
    • Firefox - minimum version: (MS-Windows)
    • Safari - minimum version: 5.1 (MacOS)
    Operating systems
    • MacOS - minimum version: 10.6
    • MS-Windows - minimum version: XP - maximum version: 7
    Rights
    • © Education Services Australia Ltd, 2013, except where indicated under Acknowledgements.

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