From Snack Shack Codes to Formal Algebra: Variables and Substitution

Section role: supports the 'From Codes to Algebra' section while the teacher gathers student findings from the Snack Shack challenge and transitions them into formal mathematical notation. Slides: (1) Title — 'From Codes to Algebra'; (2) Snack Shack Share-Out — bullets: contrasting student 'codes' for drink and topping costs, selecting the clearest conventions; (3) Defining the Variable — bullets: definition of a variable as a letter placeholder, contrast with unknown values; (4) The Algebraic Expression — bullets: defining numbers, variables, and operations together, noting the absence of an equals sign; (5) The 'Less Than' Trap — bullets: analysis of why '5 less than x' becomes x - 5 rather than 5 - x, visual number line check; (6) Introduction to Substitution — bullets: definition of substitution, replacing a variable with a known number; (7) Worked Example — bullets: evaluating the expression 5 + 1t when t = 3 step by step; (8) Video Connection — prompt to play video [0] showing the visual concept of variables; Closing slide: 'How does replacing a letter with a number help us solve real-world problems?' — hands control back to the teacher for individual practice.

Lara from Teachy