Lesson 18
Diagrams and Equations for Word Problems
Lesson Purpose
Lesson Narrative
In grade 2, students interpreted tape diagrams for one- and two-step problems involving addition and subtraction. Earlier this year, they did the same with one-step word problems involving multiplication. They also learned that a question mark, a blank line, or a box could be used to represent an unknown quantity in an equation.
In this lesson, students connect tape diagrams and equations with a symbol standing for the unknown quantity to two-step word problems. The work of this lesson prepares students to write equations with a letter standing for the unknown quantity and solve two-step problems, using a diagram if it helps them.
- Engagement
- MLR8
Learning Goals
Teacher Facing
- Relate diagrams and equations to two-step word problems.
Student Facing
- Let’s connect diagrams and equations to situations.
Required Materials
Materials to Gather
Materials to Copy
- Card Sort: Situations, Equations, and Diagrams
Required Preparation
Activity 1:
- Create a set of cards from the blackline master for each group of 4.
Lesson Timeline
| Warm-up | 10 min |
| Activity 1 | 15 min |
| Activity 2 | 20 min |
| Lesson Synthesis | 10 min |
| Cool-down | 5 min |
Teacher Reflection Questions
Students previously used tape diagrams to represent and solve one-step addition, subtraction, and multiplication problems. How are they leveraging that knowledge in this lesson on two-step problems?
Suggested Centers
- Tic Tac Round (3–5), Stage 1: Nearest Ten or Hundred (Addressing)
- Number Puzzles: Addition and Subtraction (1–4), Stage 5: Within 1,000 (Addressing)
- Five in a Row: Multiplication (3–5), Stage 2: Factors 1–9 (Supporting)
Print Formatted Materials
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| Student Task Statements | docx | |
| Lesson Cover Page | docx | |
| Cool Down | Log In | |
| Teacher Guide | Log In | |
| Teacher Presentation Materials | docx | |
| Blackline Masters | zip |