Reply To: manipulatives – tiles or blocks for 8th grade/Algebra 1

[Katrien Vance]

I really like Algebra LabGear.  https://www.mathed.page/manipulatives/lab-gear.html  First, I use it to teach solving equations. Combining like terms is a no-brainer because x doesn’t look lke x squared or like y or like a number.  Using a simple piece of construction paper as the workmat, with a box that designates the “negative area” on each side, and a line down the middle for “equals” makes something like x – (x + 2) = 3x + 4 – (x – 3) start to make sense to the kids without their having to memorize any tricks.

Using these rods and blocks made operations with polynomials make so much sense for my 7th and 8th graders.  When it comes time to multiply and divide, you don’t need to teach “FOIL” because they will derive it themselves.  I can’t recommend Algebra Lab Gear heartily enough.

Please feel free to ask for more info–don’t want to overwhelm you.