One-Step Equations Word Problems Activity with Graphic Organizer (Whole Numbers)

Engage students in active learning and critical thinking about writing equations with this hands-on, student-led activity. Students will work with word problems about one-step equations, where the story is revealed line-by-line and the student carefully considers each step in the process of writing and solving a one-step equation.

This resource includes:

• A page of instructions (also available in the preview)
• 12 word problems with whole numbers only. Each word problem is broken into four parts and clearly leads to a specific one-step equation.
• A graphic organizer that allows students to consider each piece of information as it is revealed to them. Define a variable, write an expression, turn the expression into an equation, and solve. Then, check your work and decide what your answer means.
• An answer key that includes a fully filled-out graphic organizer for every word problem.

I created this resource for my special education math class. My general education co-teacher saw the activity and thought "I should be teaching it this way too!" and used the same activity in general education with great success.

Once students master one-step equation problems broken down like this, you can work on transitioning them to traditional word problems. They can even continue using the graphic organizer to help them determine unknowns and build an equation. Happy teaching!