Are you teaching algebra? If it takes more than one step to solve for “X”, you are likely focusing on two-step equations! Even though multi-step equations may be tricky for some learners, that does not mean they can’t be interesting. All you need is some encouraging collaboration and new activities to add a fun spin to your next lesson. Whether you’re looking for a simple math review game or a way to collect real-time student data, this list has you covered.
1. Worksheet Relay Race
This 2-step equations partner activity makes for some great extra practice right before test day. Print out two of these worksheets and have students form two lines. One student solves the first question and passes the paper to the next student. Whichever line finishes first with 100% accuracy wins!
Learn More: Math Worksheets 4 Kids
2. Jigsaw a Worksheet
This worksheet, with student answers included, has five-word problems. Break students up into five teams and have them work together to solve their assigned problem. Once finished, have a volunteer from each group teach their answer to the class.
Learn More: Math Worksheets 4 Kids
3. Cut and Paste
Once students solve the problems, they cut them out and place them in the appropriate spot. At the end of this independent practice, they will have spelled a secret message. This is one of those equation activities that double as a self-checking scavenger hunt!
Learn More: Common Core Material
4. Stained Glass
Color-coded coloring, making straight lines, and math all in one! Once students solve a 2-step equation, they will use a ruler to connect the answer to the letter associated with that letter. The best part is students know immediately if they arrived at the correct answer or not.
Learn More: Math in Demand
5. Online Quiz Game
This link provides a full lesson plan for 8-step equations. First, watch a video and discuss. Then learn the vocabulary, do a little reading, practice some word and number problems, and end with the online quiz game.
Learn More: Generation Genius
6. Take a Trip
Help Tyler’s family with their sightseeing tour of Philadelphia. The real-world scenarios in this math activity provide a fun approach to learning two-step equations. This adventure activity will take students through Tyler’s vacation by helping him get to his destination safely.
Learn More: Education
7. Around the Room
Cut each of these out and have students solve them as they walk around the room. It will add to your classroom décor and give the students an opportunity to get out of their seats. Having sets of boards that students can write on as they move around your math classroom will be helpful here.
Learn More: Education
8. Make a Flowchart
In the midst of the variety of activities available, sometimes simply taking notes can help cement new ideas. Virtual manipulatives could work here, or just plain paper. Provide students with colored paper and markers to spruce up their flowcharts. Please encourage them to keep these notes out for future algebra activities.
Learn More: Cue Math
9. Venn Diagram
The link below walks students through what a two-step equation is, how to solve them, and answers the questions at the end. It then goes into the difference between one and two-step equations. Use this link as an activity for subs and have students turn in their Venn Diagrams of the difference between one and two-step equations by the end of class.
Learn More: Cue Math
10. Play Hangman
Students work through solving these equations to figure out what six-letter word is at the top of this practice worksheet. If one of their answers matches the inequality under the blank line, they will use the letter from the box they just solved to start spelling the word. If they solve a box that does not have an answer at the top, the hangman starts appearing.
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11. Play Kahoot
Check out the series of questions in any digital review activity found here. Kahoot provides an easy self-checking activity with little competition. Get a bunch of friends together to complete this activity in class. The student who answers accurately and quickly will win!
Learn More: Kahoot
12. Play Battleship
Yay for math ship activities! Your students will need to know about positive integers and negative integers to engage in this virtual activity. Each time they solve a 2-step equation in this independent activity, they work closer to sinking their enemies. This fun activity is sure to make for a funny story at dinnertime!
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13. Shoot Hoops
This fun partner activity has a red team and a blue team. Bring on the competition, engagement level, and skill-building with this in-class practice! Each time they answer the question correctly, their team scores a point in the game.
Learn More: Math-Play
14. Word Wall Match Up
While this can be one of those perfect pre-made digital activities to have in your back pocket, it would also be great for cutting out for your next mix-match activity. I would get rid of the digital component and make this a hands-on activity where students partner up to match the equation to the words.
Learn More from this resource library: Word Wall
15. Play Bingo
After spinning the wheel, you can either resume playing or eliminate that section of the wheel with this two-step equation activity. You’ll need to print out a Bingo form for students ahead of time. As the wheel spins, students will mark off that answer on their Bingo cards.
Learn More: Word Wall
