Building Expressions

Grade Level

7th Grade

Duration

30 Minutes

Unit

Math in Real Life (Lesson 2 of 4)

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Common Core State Standards (CCSS)

• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.B.3
  • Use variables to represent quantities in a real-world or mathematical problem, and construct simple equations and inequalities to solve problems.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.B.4
  • Use variables to represent quantities and write expressions that record operations with numbers and variables.
• CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.EE.A.1
  • Apply properties of operations as strategies to add, subtract, factor, and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients.
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1
  • Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
• CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP6
  • Attend to precision.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• I can translate real-life multi-step stories into mathematical expressions using variables.
• I can identify the correct order of operations within the context of real-world problems.
• I can combine two or more mathematical operations accurately to build multi-step expressions.
• I can evaluate expressions once constructed and explain each step.

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Success Criteria

• Students correctly write expressions using appropriate variables.
• Students demonstrate understanding of order of operations by correctly evaluating expressions.
• Students explain their reasoning and steps taken in both writing and evaluating expressions.
• Active participation in collaborative discussions and problem-solving.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed story cards (real-life scenarios)
• Individual whiteboards or notebooks for student work
• Dyslexia-friendly worksheets with enlarged fonts, clear spacing, and simple sentence structures
• Manipulatives (optional, such as counters or blocks)
• Timer

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Description	Differentiation & Supports
0-3 min	Introduction / Hook	- Quick review/recap of previous lesson on expressions. - Introduce today’s goal with "I can" statements written on the board. - Pose a real-life problem verbally and ask: "How could we write an expression to solve this?"	Use dyslexia-friendly fonts on the board, verbal repetition, and provide a printed copy of the "I can" statements.
3-10 min	Guided Practice: Building Expressions from Stories	- Present 2-3 short, relatable real-life word stories (e.g., buying snacks, calculating time spent on activities). - As a class, work through translating stories into expressions. - Emphasize variables, operations, and order (PEMDAS). - Use think-aloud strategy to model thought process.	For ELL/dyslexic learners: Provide sentence frames ("The expression is... because..."). Visual aids for operation symbols.
10-20 min	Student Activity: Partner Work	- Students receive different story cards. - In pairs, write multi-step expressions and evaluate them. - Encourage students to explain their reasoning verbally to their partner. - Teacher circulates to provide guidance and ask probing questions.	Pair lower-level learners with stronger students for peer support. Provide sentence starters. Use manipulatives for concretizing operations if needed.
20-27 min	Whole Group Share-Out & Error Analysis	- Several pairs share their expressions and solutions. - Class discusses different approaches and common mistakes. - Teacher introduces a "buggy" expression for error analysis: ask students to find and correct it.	Project expressions in large print. Scaffold error analysis with guided questions.
27-30 min	Wrap-Up & Reflection	- Review "I can" statements and success criteria. - Exit Ticket: Write one multi-step expression from a story the student creates or remembers. - Read instructions aloud and provide a printed, dyslexia-friendly version.	Allow students to write or draw to represent their expression if writing is difficult.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual supports: Use color-coding for different operations and parentheses.
• Sentence frames: Support writing with sentence starters and examples.
• Peer support: Pair students strategically for collaborative learning.
• Manipulatives: Use physical objects to model operations for kinesthetic learners.
• Chunking: Break word stories into smaller parts.
• Extended time: For students who need it during activities.

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Extension Activities for Advanced Learners

• Create their own multi-step word problems and challenge peers to write expressions.
• Explore expressions with negative numbers or decimals.
• Investigate how changing parts of the story affects the expression and solution.
• Introduce simple equations setting the expression equal to a value to solve for a variable.

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Assessment

• Observation of partner discussions and class participation.
• Exit Ticket with multi-step expression creation.
• Informal formative assessment during guided and independent work through questioning.
• Error analysis participation.

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Dyslexia-Friendly Reading Options

• Use dyslexia-friendly fonts such as OpenDyslexic for all printed material.
• Keep sentences short and vocabulary simple.
• Use bullet points and numbered steps for clarity.
• Provide oral explanations and repeat instructions.
• Allow students to highlight or underline key words.
• Use high-contrast text and avoid cluttered pages.

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Teacher Reflection (Post-Lesson)

• Did students achieve the "I can" objectives? Which parts were challenging?
• Were the differentiation strategies effective for all learners?
• What student misconceptions emerged during error analysis?
• How could I adapt the pacing or materials for more engagement or better understanding?

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This highly interactive and scaffolded lesson will ensure that 7th graders build not just expressions, but confidence in applying mathematics to real-life contexts. The blend of partner work, whole group discussion, and visual/dyslexia-friendly supports makes it accessible and enriching for all learners.