Level 1: Mystery numbers¶
Algebra · level 1 of 8 · rough age 5-6 (a guide for parents; anyone can start anywhere)
Algebra starts with a game every child already knows: "I'm thinking of a number." In this level a hidden number is found from clues, from a balance scale and from counters under a cup. You learn what the equal sign really means (not "the answer comes next", but "both sides are the same"), and you play detective with secret sorting rules. No letters yet: just numbers, blocks, cups and careful thinking.
| Lesson | You will be able to |
|---|---|
| I'm thinking of a number | Find a mystery number from clues like "one more than 4", and check a guess against every clue |
| Balance scales | Say which way a scale tips, and keep it level by doing the same to both sides |
| The equal sign means "the same as" | Read = as "the same amount as", and make both sides of a number sentence match with blocks |
| Missing numbers | Find how many counters are hidden under a cup, as in 3 + ? = 5, and check the answer |
| What is the rule? | Guess a secret sorting rule from examples, test it, and know why one "no" can rule a guess out |