Algebra Studio: Balance Lab is a new model for teaching students how to solve linear equations. This collection of hands-on, collaborative activities gives students a grounding in equivalence and balance.
Grade 6 Tier 1
Grade 7+ Review
Grade 3-5 Advanced
1: Build a balance
Physical equations
CCSS: 6.EE.B.5 | TEKS: 6.10A, 6.10B | FLA: 6.AR.2.1
2: Balance exploration
Testing balance
CCSS: 6.EE.B.5 | TEKS: 6.10A, 6.10B | FLA: 6.AR.2.1
3: Creating equations
Balance patterns
CCSS: 6.EE.B.5 | TEKS: 6.10A, 6.10B | FLA: 6.AR.2.1
4: Balance challenges
Problem solving
CCSS: 6.EE.B.5 | TEKS: 6.10A, 6.10B | FLA: 6.AR.2.1
5: Physical equations
Equivalence concepts
CCSS: 6.EE.B.5 | TEKS: 6.10A, 6.10B | FLA: 6.AR.2.1
6: Write & solve equations
Using variables
CCSS: 6.EE.B.6 | TEKS: 6.7D | FLA: 6.AR.1.2
7: Negative numbers
Multi-step problems
CCSS: 7.EE.B.3 | TEKS: 7.10A, 7.10B, 7.11A | FLA: 7.AR.1.1, 7.AR.2.1
8: Isolate a variable
Solving techniques
CCSS: 7.EE.B.3 | TEKS: 7.10A, 7.10B, 7.11A | FLA: 7.AR.1.1, 7.AR.2.1
9: Play ZERO OUT
Evaluating expressions
CCSS: 6.EE.A.1 | TEKS: 6.7C | FLA: 6.AR.1.1
10: Balanced moves
Maintaining balance
CCSS: 7.EE.B.3 | TEKS: 7.10A, 7.10B, 7.11A | FLA: 7.AR.1.1, 7.AR.2.1
11: Distributive property
Expanding and factoring
CCSS: 6.EE.A.3 | TEKS: 6.7D | FLA: 6.AR.1.3
12: Solving on paper
Written methods
CCSS: 7.EE.B.3 | TEKS: 7.10A, 7.10B, 7.11A | FLA: 7.AR.1.1, 7.AR.2.1
13: Complex equations
Advanced solving
CCSS: 6.EE.A.3, 7.EE.B.3 | TEKS: 6.7D, 7.10A, 7.10B, 7.11A | FLA: 6.AR.1.3, 7.AR.1.1, 7.AR.2.1
14: Play CARD X
Game-based practice
CCSS: 6.EE.B.5 | TEKS: 6.10A, 6.10B | FLA: 6.AR.2.1