Algebra - Find a Rule (One Step) - Planning

The Year 6 algebra curriculum focuses on developing pupils' understanding of simple formulae and the ability to generate and describe linear number sequences. Students are taught to express missing number problems algebraically and to find pairs of numbers that satisfy equations with two unknowns. The key vocabulary for this unit includes terms such as one-step function, input, output, function, inverse, and the four operations of add, subtract, multiply, and divide. The lesson plan involves using worksheets and presentations to aid learning, and students are encouraged to become familiar with these terms through the use of vocabulary cards and definitions.

During the lesson on finding a rule with one-step functions, students recap their previous learning about function machines and how a single operation applied to an input produces an output. They practice finding outputs for various inputs using multiplication and explore the effects of changing inputs on outputs. In subsequent activities, they learn to work backwards using the inverse operation to find the input from a given output and to determine missing functions from a series of inputs and outputs. Group work and independent activities, including differentiated fluency and reasoning worksheets, help to consolidate their understanding. The lesson aims to clear up common misconceptions and ensures that students can reverse operations to find inputs and recognise patterns to deduce functions. The lesson concludes with a reflection on the skills learned and applied, as well as a commitment to remember the key concepts from the day's activities.