# Lesson Plan: Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities
## Grade: 7th
### Subject: Mathematics
### Duration: 1 hour
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### Lesson Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Define and differentiate between expressions, equations, and inequalities.
2. Simplify algebraic expressions using the distributive property and combining like terms.
3. Solve one-step and two-step equations.
4. Graph and solve simple inequalities on a number line.
### Standards:
- Understand the meanings of and the techniques for generating equivalent expressions.
- Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations.
- Represent and analyze quantitative relationships between dependent and independent variables.
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### Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and PowerPoint slides
- Worksheets with practice problems
- Graph paper
- Rulers
- Pencils and erasers
### Vocabulary:
- Expression
- Equation
- Inequality
- Variable
- Coefficient
- Constant
- Distributive Property
- Like Terms
### Lesson Procedure:
#### 1. Introduction (10 minutes)
- **Engage:** Start with a quick review of basic arithmetic properties and previous concepts that are foundational to algebra.
- **Objective Sharing:** Explain the lesson's objectives and what students will learn by the end of the session.
- **Warm-Up Activity:** Posit some simple numerical expressions and ask students to simplify them.
#### 2. Direct Instruction (15 minutes)
- **Definitions and Explanations:**
- Explain what expressions, equations, and inequalities are.
- Provide examples for each to illustrate the differences.
- **Simplifying Expressions:**
- Demonstrate how to use the distributive property and combine like terms on the whiteboard.
- **Solving Equations:**
- Show how to solve one-step and two-step equations with clear, step-by-step examples.
- **Introducing Inequalities:**
- Explain symbols used in inequalities (>, <, ≥, ≤) and their meanings.
- Demonstrate how to graph inequalities on a number line.
#### 3. Guided Practice (15 minutes)
- Distribute worksheets that include exercises on simplifying expressions, solving equations, and graphing inequalities.
- Walk through one or two problems from each section with the class.
- Have students work on the next few problems individually or in small groups, providing assistance as needed.
#### 4. Independent Practice (10 minutes)
- Allow students to work through the remaining problems on their worksheets independently.
- Circulate the room to offer help and check for understanding.
#### 5. Review and Closing (10 minutes)
- **Q&A Session:** Address any lingering questions or concerns from the students.
- **Students’ Summary:** Ask students to summarize key points from the lesson to reinforce learning.
- **Exit Ticket:** Have students solve a couple of problems (one equation and one inequality) on a slip of paper as an exit ticket to assess their understanding.
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### Assessment:
- Observation during guided and independent practice.
- Exit tickets to check for understanding.
- Collect and review worksheets to gauge overall comprehension and provide feedback.
### Differentiation:
- For advanced students: Provide more challenging equations and inequalities, including multi-step problems.
- For struggling learners: Offer extra support with simpler, more guided examples and possibly pair them with a peer tutor.
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### Homework:
- Assign a set of problems from the textbook or a supplemental worksheet that covers today's topics.
- Encourage students to write one real-life example of a situation that could be modeled by an equation or inequality.
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### Reflection:
Post-lesson, reflect on the following:
- What went well, and what could be improved?
- Were the students engaged and understanding the material?
- Are there any students who need additional support or enrichment?
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This lesson aims to build a strong foundation in understanding and manipulating expressions, equations, and inequalities, setting students up for success in more complex mathematical concepts in future lessons.