Teaching Algebra in the Middle Grades Using Mathmagic

Abstract

A LARGE NUMBER OF MATHEMATICS EDUCATORS and teachers argue for including algebra in the middle school mathematics curriculum (Fouche 1997; Silver 1997). Recommended algebraic concepts to be taught in the middle grades include variable, expression, and equation (NCTM 1989), and middle-grade students should be able to “apply algebraic methods to solve a variety of real-world and mathematical problems” (NCTM 1989, 102). In spite of this emphasis on teaching algebra, a large number of middle school students, especially at the fifth- and sixthgrade levels, are never taught algebraic concepts.