This page will be updated every week with our new vocabulary that we will be using throughout our Algebra lessons. On our Spelling City site, I have designed a variety of different vocabulary games for this algebra unit. Each student should be working with these words at least twice each week.
Some of the key things that we try to do in class to help students learn vocabulary are listed below. I've listed some strategies that could be used at home as well for students to gain a better understanding of difficult mathematical concepts.
Using the right language - From the very beginning, it is important to use the real word for each mathematical concept. Students need to hear the right vocabulary consistently while they are learning the concepts.
- For this, we do a math "Word of the Day". Every day, the students will be introduced to a new math word. Sometimes, they will be re-introduced later in the year. However, we think it is really important for students to get a glimpse at words that they will learn throughout the year.
Factor X Factor = Product
Connect – Connect new words to terms/concepts/ideas
that students are already familiar with. When we study quadrilaterals, we make sure to show
students what they have already learned about quarters – four quarters
in a dollar, four sides to a quadrilateral. When we study centimeters, we make sure to show
students that there are 100 cents in a dollar, 100 years in a century,
and 100 centimeters in a meter, etc.
Exposure – We all know that repetition is the key to
learning. Students must be exposed to new terms multiple times in
multiple formats. Challenge them to write the definition of a new word
in their own words. Can they draw a picture to represent the new term?
Create a Venn diagram comparing the new term to a term they already know
(such as comparing “sums” to “differences”). Have students make
flashcards – one card for the term, and another card for the definition.
They can play a matching game with them.
Source: Math Vocabulary
_____________________________________Source: Math Vocabulary
Below is a list of the words that we have been working on during this unit for Algebra.
- Combination - A group of items. Placing these items in a different order does not create a new combination.
- Equation - A statement that two mathematical expressions are equal.
- Equivalent - Having the same value.
- Expression - A variable, or any combination of numbers, variables, and symbols that represents a mathematical relationship (e.g., 24 x 2 + 5 or 4a – 9).
- Function - A relation in which every input value has a unique output value.
- Inequality - A mathematical sentence that contains a symbol that shows the terms on either side of the symbol are unequal (e.g., 3+4>6).
- Number Sentence - An equation or inequality with numbers.
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The crossword puzzle below will be handed out on Tuesday. If you need another copy of it, feel free to highlight this item, paste it into a word document, and then reprint it.
Algebra All Star Quiz
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
ACROSS2. Having the same value.
3. A variable, or any combination of numbers, variables, and symbols that represents a mathematical relationship (e.g., 24 x 2 + 5 or 4a – 9).
5. A group of items. Placing these items in a different order does not create a new combination.
6. An equation or inequality with numbers.
7. A mathematical sentence that contains a symbol that shows the terms on either side of the symbol are unequal (e.g., 3+4>6).DOWN1. A statement that two mathematical expressions are equal.
4. A relation in which every input value has a unique output value.
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Feel free to check out this PDF of important vocab terms and their definitions that we will be working on throughout this year as well in 4th grade!
Important Math Vocab
References:
http://static.pdesas.org/content/documents/Math_Grades_3_and_4_Assessment_Anchor_Glossary.pdf
References:
http://static.pdesas.org/content/documents/Math_Grades_3_and_4_Assessment_Anchor_Glossary.pdf
