New Zealand students have consistently performed poorly on algebra tasks at both Years 5 and 9. TIMSS expects students to be able to represent relationships in patterns using tables, and rules, and to solve simple equations with unknowns.
These units of work will improve students’ understanding of patterns and relationships across a range of contexts:
These units of work will improve students’ understanding of recording equations across a range of contexts:
Students will also benefit from working independently or collaboratively on the following student e-ako on the Patterns and relationships and Equations and expressions pathways (information about e-ako maths):
- PR3.10: Using tables to explore patterns
- PR3.20: Exploring additive and multiplicative patterns
- PR3.20+: Using a table to see relationships in sequential patterns
- PR3.30: Graphing patterns
- EE3.40: Introducing letters for unknowns
Figure It Out resources for Algebra at Level 3 include:
- Biscuit binge
- Bits and pieces
- Clever Clues
- Cube signs
- Delta Island
- Double rules
- Duncan’s day
- Fencing
- Graphic detail
- Graphic details
- Kai moana
- Operation time
- Pattern parade
- Pattern predictions
- Pegging problems
- Planning paths
- Possum poles
- Preparing for the hāngi
- Puzzling patterns
- Stacking
- Sticking around
- Table talk
- Ten storey Thomas
- Terrific tiles
- Thinking ahead
- Tiling teasers
- Tukutuku patterns
- Ups and downs
- Whānau photo