Week 7 – Pre-Algebra and Early- Algebra

Part 1 –
The big idea from week 7 lecture and tutorial is pre-algebra and early- algebra, which is
using patterns to develop algebraic thinking. For the early algebra describing patterns as
well as identifying repeating and growing patterns which will eventually move onto algebra
and using letters instead of numbers.
The tutorial lesson helped me with understanding the patterns side of pre-algebra and
early-algebra. When at school I was always that child who was constantly having trouble
understanding how algebra works and why there was no number but there were letters.
Through the tutorial I learnt the state of algebra all the way to when the numbers turn into
letters. I am still currently unsure still with the letters, however, I know through practice I
will grasp the concept of algebra.

Part 2 –
Recognising the pattern is a skill used for both geometry and number patterns, however, in
pre-algebra and early – algebra it is where a rule can come into play. Using match sticks, a
pattern of a square can be used as well as a table to show the answers.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

4 7 10 13
Matchsticks Matchsticks Matchsticks Matchsticks

The language used is students language by using familiar words such as “How many if”
“Add” and using materials such as ‘matches’ to make squares, it can also be substituted with
sticks or lolly snakes. This can all further on to use mathematical language and symbolic
language.

Part 3 –
A common misconception that comes with pre-algebra and early-algebra is when to add in a
number and what the letter actually stands for. When letters start to appear within the
equations it makes it harder for the students to understand and that it is not the same as
just adding simple numbers together. How does it work? And Why is there letters? These
are questions that are commonly asked and over time and practice algebra can become
easier.

Part 4 –
Patterns and algebra
Investigate and describe number patterns formed by skip-counting and patterns with
objects (ACMNA018 - Scootle )
Elaboration - investigating patterns in the number system, such as the occurrence of a particular
digit in the numbers to 100

This game helps the students with putting the monsters sounds into a sequence to make a
song.
http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L1056/index.html
Week 7 – Pre-Algebra and Early- Algebra

Part 5 –
A teaching resource/ strategy for pre-algebra and early- algebra is showing the students a
pattern made out of geometric shapes. Making a start on the pattern helps the students to
determine what shape/blocks need to go next. Inviting the students to answer if the blocks
can be tessellated or flipped? Which blocks can work together to tessellate.

Part 6 –
1. The concept that is being taught is patterning through pre-algebra and early-
algebra.
2. The year level chosen for this concept is
Patterns and algebra
Investigate and describe number patterns formed by skip-counting and patterns with
objects (ACMNA018 - Scootle )
3. The teaching strategy used is

Complete the pattern....

This pattern helps with not only the algebra side but also the geometric side of
mathematics.