Math Unit - Algebraic Expressions is a homeschool math curriculum unit for ages 10–12 that introduces students to the processes of algebra. Students move from identifying variables, constants, and parts of expressions to evaluating, simplifying, and determining whether expressions are equivalent. Activities such as “Parts of an Expression,” “Combining Like Terms,” and “Evaluating Equivalent Expressions” give students concrete ways to analyze how expressions are built and changed.

At a Glance

Age Range: Ages 10–12 (usually 6th grade)
Estimated Time Commitment: 14 instructional lessons, approximately 45 minutes each
Prerequisites: Calculate whole numbers, fractions, and decimals; understand exponents, order of operations, and negative numbers
Student Independence: Designed for students to work independently, with parent support as needed
Includes: Student-directed lessons, parent overviews, answer keys, access to the online quiz tool, and a digital portfolio
Required items: Math Materials Kit, and any required math literature sold separately

This unit is part of the age 10-12 full year math program, which covers all sixth-grade math standards and approximately half of the seventh-grade standards. 

Key Features

• Algebraic Language: In “Parts of an Expression” and “How Many Terms?,” students identify coefficients, variables, constants, and terms, then classify expressions as monomials, binomials, trinomials, or polynomials.
• Expression Evaluation: Students substitute numerical values for variables in “Evaluating Algebraic Expressions,” then use the same process to check whether simplified expressions have equivalent values.
• Simplifying Expressions: “Combining Like Terms” and “Distributive Property of Multiplication” help students use like terms and mathematical properties to rewrite expressions in simpler forms.
• Applied Algebra: The Think-Tac-Toe final project lets students demonstrate their understanding through options such as “Math Properties Trading Cards,” “Create a GoFish! Game,” and “Prove It! Equivalencies.”

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

• Identify variables, constants, coefficients, factors, terms, products, and quotients in algebraic expressions.
• Translate verbal and real-world situations into algebraic expressions.
• Classify expressions by the number of terms they contain.
• Evaluate algebraic expressions by substituting numerical values for variables.
• Distinguish like terms from unlike terms and combine like terms.
• Apply the commutative, associative, and distributive properties to rewrite expressions.
• Use positive and negative numbers and additive inverses when simplifying expressions.
• Create and verify equivalent expressions using simplification and numerical evaluation.

Math Unit - Algebraic Expressions helps students connect algebraic vocabulary, integer reasoning, expression evaluation, and mathematical properties rather than treating each as an isolated procedure. Through structured activities and a choice-based final project, students practice explaining, simplifying, and verifying algebraic expressions in several ways.

This item includes free online access to Beyond the Page Online for 18 months. This includes Learning Gates, Portfolio and any curriculum or student activity pages that you have purchased.