Inquiry-Based Lesson Plan
Your name: Katie Mattie
Name of lesson: Algebraic Names
Target grades(s): 5th
Time required preparing for lesson each time it is used: 15
minutes
Time required using or implementing lesson plan: 45
minutes
Equipment or materials needed:
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Cracking the Code Worksheet (provided)
Paper
Pencil
Calculator
Cardboard Paper
Tape
Safety precautions that should be taken or pointed out:
 No poking other classmates with pencils.
 Do no put tape on other classmates.
 Do not play with pencils.
 Be careful when handling paper, or you will get a
paper cut.
What is the driving question of the project?
 What is a variable?
How is this lesson plan related to the driving question?
How will this be pointed out?
 Students will develop and apply the concept of a
variable.
 Students will use variables appropriately to represent
numbers whose values are not yet known.
What are the learning objectives(s) of this lesson:
1) The learner will understand how to plug in missing
information with the given information.
2) The learner will create their own variable machine to
guide them in their calculations.
3) The learner will use their variable machine to aide them
in name algebraic expressions given by the teacher.
4) The learner will be assessed during the activity with a
worksheet that helps expand their thinking on
mathematical vocabulary by applying variables to solve
algebraic expressions using letters and numbers.
5) The learner will complete a homework assignment that
requires them to research new mathematical
vocabulary and apply variables to create their own
algebraic expression using letters and numbers.
What concepts or inquiry skill(s) will the student
develop?
1) The student will have learned how to create their own
variable machine using letters and numbers.
2) The student will have learned how to plug in missing
information with the information already given.
3) The student will have learned how to solve algebraic
problems involving their names and other mathematical
vocabulary.
4) The student will know different vocabulary associated
with algebraic expressions.
5) The student will know the value of their first and last
name.
6) The student will want to apply their known knowledge
by researching more vocabulary and using their
variable machine to determine their values.
7) The students will want to stretch their know knowledge
further to investigate other variables and expressions
that are more difficult that present a challenge.
What standards will be covered or fulfilled by the lesson
plan?
GLE:
0506.1.1 Use mathematical language, symbols, and
definitions while developing mathematical reasoning.
0506.3.2 Develop and apply the concept of variable.
Checks for Understanding:
 0506.3.1 Evaluate an expression by substituting nonnegative rational number values for letter variables in
the expression.
 0506.3.2 Use variables appropriately to represent
numbers whose values are not yet known.
SPI’s:
0506.3.1 Evaluate algebraic expressions involving decimals
and fractions using order of operations.
List any other subjects that this lesson plan may address.
 Language Arts
 Science
Lesson Plan Procedure
A. I will use demonstrations and discussions.Include
how you will:
a. Students will complete a KWL chart
discussing what they know about the content,
what they want to know, and at the end what they
have learned about the content.
b. The student will create their own Variable
Machine that will associate with the activity. The
student will list on a 5 cm strip of lined paper the letters
of the alphabet. The student will then list on the 3 cm
strip of lined paper numbers from 0 to 25. The student
will then take both strips of paper and tape them to a
strip of cardboard paper for their finalized Variable
Machine.
c. Activity One: Board Interaction- During this
activity, the teacher will call upon a student for them to
provide the correct spelling of their name. The teacher
will write that student’s name on the board and ask the
class to use their Variable Machines to determine the
value of that student’s name. The teacher will continue
this exercise for 5 to 7 minutes to make sure the class
understands how to use the Variable Machine.
Activity Two: Cracking the Code Worksheet- During
this activity, the students will be given a worksheet that
requires them to determine unknown values of certain
mathematical vocabulary words. The students will find
value of words that equal 25, 36, and 100. They will
record their findings and determine if they can see a
pattern in the words.
d. The teacher will review with the students the
Cracking the Code worksheet to determine their
findings. The teacher will then ask essential questions to
check for their understanding. The teacher will then ask
the students what they just went over. The teacher will
ask the students to put their knowledge in complete
sentences. The students will create their own little
variable games using Kidspiration or Inspiration. This
will get them to use their imagination and get them
more involved with learning. If students can create their
own way of learning, they will get more excited.