Variables Lesson

This is a complete lesson plan on understanding that a letter or symbol can represent an unknown quantity.  Students will understand that variables, such as n or x, are used to represent unknown quantities in algebraic expressions; relationships exist between variables and quantities in algebraic expressions; word problems can be solved using variables; variables can be used to investigate, develop, and evaluate mathematical arguments.

 

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • explain what a variable is and when one should be used
  • substitute unknown amounts with variables
  • write variable expressions from word problems
Essential and guiding questions: 

What is a variable?

How are variables used in algebraic expressions?

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding

References

Contributors: