| Longfellow Humanities Magnet Welcomes Math Residency |  |  | | Longfellow mathematicians in grades 2-6 solve algebra problems using Hands on Equations |
For two weeks in May, Longfellow Humanities Magnet students explored Algebra using a unique learning tool called "Hands on Equations." By learning a series of legal moves, students in grades 2-6 solved number and word problems like 2(2x+4) = 5x + 6. Frank Sineni, SPPS gifted services coach, Sharon Mueller, Math Coach and Mary Conlin-Warner, gifted services specialist at Longfellow worked with students during this two week residency.
Hands on Equations was created as a way to teach young children algebra through manipulatives and a series of legal moves, much like chess or other board games. By experiencing Hands on Equations, students understand the algebraic concepts of balance, positive and negative integers and the distributive property. Students also had the opportunity to create problems to share and challenge each other.
Hands on Equations kits were purchased for each elementary school with district professional development funds and initial training was provided by Borenson Associates, the creator of Hands on Equations. Math residencies are available to all elementary schools.
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