Math lesson plan · 6th grade (Year 7 in England) · 45 minutes
Name the parts of an expression: terms, coefficients and constants
Algebra
CCSS 6.EE.A.2.BEngland: KS3 Algebra
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Name the parts of an expression: terms, coefficients and constants.
- I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
- I can explain each step and say why it works.
- I can check my answer and spot a mistake.
Before and after
Needs first: Write algebraic expressions
Leads to: the next skill in this area.
Materials: Balance scales or a balance drawing, Algebra tiles, Function machine cards, Mini whiteboards and pens, Printed student sheet (below).
Warm-up · 5 min
- Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Write algebraic expressions). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Which expression means "n subtracted from 6"? (n − 6 / 6n / 6 − n / n/6) → 6 − nPrompt: Translate the words in order, carefully.
- Write an expression for: 7 added to 4 times a number n. → 4n+7Prompt: '4 times n' is written 4n.
- Mei buys x cinema tickets at 9 each and pays a booking fee of 7. Write an expression for the total cost. → 9x+7Prompt: How much do x tickets cost?
Hook · 5 min
- Show a "think of a number" puzzle and ask the class to work out the starting number.
- Share the objective: Name the parts of an expression: terms, coefficients and constants. Read the success criteria together.
I do: model it · 10 min
- Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
- Example: In 10x + 11y + 10, what is the coefficient of y?
- Step 1: The y-term is 11y, so the coefficient is 11.
- Answer: 11
- Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.
We do: guided practice · 10 min
- Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
- Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
- In 12x + 11y + 13, what is the coefficient of x? → 12Prompt: A coefficient is the number multiplying a variable.
- How many terms are in the expression 6 + 6x + 3n + 3a + 5b? → 5Prompt: Terms are separated by + or − signs.
You do: independent practice · 10 min
- Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
- Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.
The 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.
Exit ticket · 5 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- What is the constant term in 6m² + 3m + 12? (Include its sign.) → 12Prompt: The constant is the term with no variable.
- How many terms are in the expression 9n + 10 + 2b + 7x + 6a? → 5Prompt: Terms are separated by + or − signs.
Watch out for
- Doing an operation to one side of an equation but not the other.
- Reading 3x as 3 + x, or thinking x always stands for one particular number.
Support and stretch
Support
- Review first: Write algebraic expressions.
- Use concrete materials: balance scales or a balance drawing.
- Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
- Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.
Stretch
- Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
- Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.
Homework and more practice
Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/math/grade-6.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder