Algebra - Solve Simple (Two-step Equations) - Worksheet

The provided material outlines an educational resource for teaching Year 6 students how to solve simple two-step algebraic equations. The lesson plan is structured to encourage fluency and precision in algebraic thinking, with a focus on using simple formulae, generating linear number sequences, and expressing missing number problems algebraically. Students are expected to find pairs of numbers that satisfy two-variable equations. The resource offers differentiated worksheets and teaching slides to cater to varying levels of student ability. Key vocabulary terms such as 'algebra', 'equations', and 'bar model' are emphasized to familiarize students with the language of algebra.

The teaching approach advocates for a balanced understanding of equations, urging students to treat them as balances where the same operation is applied to both sides to maintain equality. Initially, concrete and pictorial methods, such as bar models, are used to illustrate the abstract concepts, ensuring students have a strong grasp of the fundamentals before progressing to more abstract problem-solving. The lesson includes key questions to provoke deeper thinking about the rationale behind algebraic steps and the relationships between different forms of equations. As students advance, they move from using pictorial representations to independently solving equations, with the ultimate goal of achieving a greater depth of understanding and the ability to tackle more complex algebraic challenges.