Hands-On Equations®
Hands-On Equations®…the program that demystifies the learning of algebra for students in grades 3 – 8. Now in our 23rd year!
Click here to see a 10-minute video overview of Hands-On Equations.
Algebraic Thinking
Hands-On Equations is algebra for elementary and middle school students. This visual and kinesthetic instructional system developed by Dr. Henry Borenson enables students to learn essential algebraic concepts and skills. Dr. Borenson received a U.S. patent for his invention.
"Innovative programs such as Hands-On Equations® are what American schools need to thrive once again."
- Tom Peters, co-author In Search of Excellence
Visual and Kinesthetic Learning
Hands-On Equations gives students a concrete representation of the symbols and processes utilized in solving algebra problems. The symbols are represented by game pieces and a representation of a balance scale. The processes are represented by physical actions upon these pieces. As the algebra problems are solved students are actually seeing, touching and moving the pieces. The concepts are being learned at a deep bodily level.
Click here to see a video clip of the full setup, solution and check to the equation 4x + 5 = 2x + 13 by Eric, age 8, using the teacher's demonstration balance scale.
Whole-Brain Instruction
It turns out that this whole-brain approach to solving algebra equations, even though many of these equations would not normally be presented until the 8th or the 9th grade, is in fact easier than much of the math curriculum we have in the elementary school. So, a fourth, fifth or sixth grader can really be very successful in learning algebra concepts this way.
Dr. Larry Barber shares the consistent and powerful research results conducted with more than 2500 students in grades 4 - 8.
An Algebraic Learning Environment
With Hands-On Equations students find themselves totally immersed in their learning. They are learning powerful algebra concepts such as the concept of equivalence, the subtraction property of equality, the distributive property and other key algebraic properties without even knowing it. The "natural algebraic learning environment" that we present to students makes it possible for them to succeed in their work, especially since they can use so many of their senses in their work. (Learning algebra concepts through the traditional abstract methods, on the other hand, is very difficult for most students. They try to memorize as best they can, but without understanding, many students cannot get very far.)
Algebra Concepts Your Student Will Learn in Only 7 Lessons!
- the concept of an unknown
- how to evaluate an expression
- how to combine like terms
- the relational meaning of the equal sign (both sides have the same value)
- the meaning of an algebra equation
- how to balance algebra equations (using the subtraction property of equality)
- the concept of the check of an equation
- the ability to solve one and two-step algebra equations
- solving equations with unknowns on both sides (see video)
- how to work with a multiple of a parenthetical expression
But Students Learn Much More. They Learn that:
- mathematics is a subject one can understand
- mathematics can be learned without memorization
- they need not be intimated by algebra symbols
- they can enjoy doing mathematics
- they can explain mathematics to others
- they can have success in one of the most “difficult” topics of mathematics
- they have far greater leaning potential then they ever realized
Teacher Workshops
Nationwide, more than 50,000 teachers have attended the Making Algebra Child’s Play workshop. These teachers come to learn how to effectively introduce algebra concepts to their elementary and middle school students. They know that the traditional methods of instruction are too abstract and ineffective for too many students. They come eager to learn the Hands-On Equations approach. Teachers may register to attend a public workshop, or districts may request an instructor to come in to provide on-site staff development.
Dr. Henry Borenson developed Hands-On Equations when he was a Pennsylvania math teacher. "I wanted to literally make algebra child's play," explains Borenson, who developed his system with the help of children with learning difficulties. "We have had a lot of feedback from teachers that using this instructional approach greatly boosts children's self-esteem. Teachers who themselves struggled with algebra have called it a revelation. And of course, we have strong research results to show the effectiveness of the program.”
Presently, Dr. Borenson’s research interests are focused on the introduction of algebraic thinking to students in grades K – 2.
(for teachers of grades 3 to 8)
This one-day workshop empowers teachers to understand and use the visual, kinesthetic, and pictorial Hands-On Equations teaching methodology to successfully present essential algebraic concepts to students in grades 3 to 8. By “breaking the code” of algebra, Hands-On Equations empowers students to work with sophisticated-looking algebraic concepts, thereby enhancing their self-esteem and interest in mathematics.
(for teachers in grades 4 – 8)
Learn how to empower your teachers to empower their students to solve word problems! Students transform the abstract verbal problems into a physical or pictorial representation that they can understand and solve using the methods of Hands-On Equations. See how consecutive odd integer problems become child’s play!
High school teachers will also find these ideas
helpful for students struggling with algebra.
Purchase thirty class sets of Hands-On Equations ® for Teacher and Thirty (30) Students and receive the training absolutely free! Call 800-993-6284 to schedule the training for your district or complete a form you can submit on line! Provide your district with exceptional on-site staff development!
SCHEDULE YOUR ONSITE
STAFF DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP!
Call Today!
