Using Legos® to Teach Algebra
Even though my sons are bright, when it came to algebra they were overwhelmed by all the x's and y's. No matter how I tried to explain it, they couldn't understand why some x's and y's could be added together and some couldn't. Having an abundance of Legos® around the house, I hit upon an idea to visually explain how the combinations worked. I used Legos® of these three sizes: 1x1, 1x2, and 1x3 in various colors and put them on a flat Lego® board (which is usually green). Although you can use any color, this is how I am using the colors on this web site:
x =  |
x2 =  |
x3 =  |
y =  |
y2 =  |
y3 =  |
z =  |
z2 =  |
z3 =  |
Please understand that this is a visual representation and not a literal mathematical representation. The purpose is to make it easier to do the addition and subtraction of the equations as they are written on paper.
Here are a series of simple lessons to show how to use the Legos® with your students. Be sure to actually use the Legos® and add them or remove them as you do the problems.
Lego® Link
© 2003 - 2005 by Charlotte Meyer cmeyer@caves.net