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Writing & Graphing One Step Inequalities Guided Notes & Doodle | Number Lines
$4.25
Overview
Ever wondered how to teach writing and graphing one step inequalities in an engaging way to your sixth-grade students?
In this lesson plan, students will learn about one-step inequalities and their real-life applications. Through artistic and interactive guided notes, checks for understanding, practice worksheets (including a doodle and color by number activity, and a maze worksheet), students will gain a comprehensive understanding of writing and graphing one step inequalities.
The lesson culminates with a real-life example that explores how one-step inequalities are used in height restrictions for amusement park rides and age restrictions for watching certain movies. Students will see the relevance and practicality of this math concept in everyday life.
- Standard: CCSS 6.EE.B.8
- Grade: 6th Grade
- Type: Lesson Plans
Get the Lesson Materials
Writing & Graphing One Step Inequalities Guided Notes & Doodle | Number Lines
$4.25
Learning Objectives
After this lesson, students will be able to:
Write one-step inequalities from verbal phrases using key words
Graph one-step inequalities on a number line with open or closed circles
Apply the concept of one-step inequalities to real-life situations, such as height restrictions for amusement park rides and age restrictions for watching certain movies
Prerequisites
Before this lesson, students should be familiar with:
How to construct number lines and how to to plot points on them
Materials
Pencils
Colored pencils or markers
Writing & Graphing One Step Inequalities Guided Notes & Doodle | Number Lines
Key Vocabulary
One step inequalities
Verbal phrases
Greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, less than or equal to
Graphing inequalities
Open circle
Closed circle
Key words like above, below, maximum, minimum, more than, less than, etc.
Procedure
Introduction
As a hook, ask students why it is important to understand and use inequalities in real-life situations. For example, you can ask them why it is important to set boundaries or make decisions based on restrictions for certain real life scenarios. Refer to the last page of the guided notes as well as the FAQs below for ideas on how to frame the question and initiate a discussion.
Use the first page of the guided notes to introduce the concept of writing one-step inequalities using key words for each of the four inequalities symbols. Walk through the examples and explanations provided on the guided notes to teach students how to translate verbal phrases into inequalities. Emphasize the importance of identifying key words that represent different inequality signs (greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, less than or equal to) and how to write the inequality symbol appropriately.
Use the second page of the guided notes to introduce the concept of graphing one-step inequalities. Explain to students how to represent inequalities on a number line using open or closed circles and shaded regions. Show them how to interpret the meaning of an open circle (non-inclusive boundary for > and <) and a closed circle (inclusive boundary for > and <) in relation to the solution set of an inequality. Guide students through the examples and explanations provided on the guided notes to reinforce their understanding of graphing inequalities. Refer to the FAQ below for a walk-through on this, as well as ideas on how to respond to common student questions.
Based on student responses, reteach concepts that students may need extra help with. If your class has a wide range of proficiency levels, you can pull out students for reteaching, while more advanced students begin working on the practice exercises. Refer to the FAQ below for ideas on how to address common misconceptions and provide additional support.
Practice
Have students practice writing and graphing one step inequalities using the maze practice worksheets provided in the resource. Walk around the classroom to answer any questions and provide guidance as needed.
Fast finishers can complete the color by code activity for additional practice. You can assign either of these activities as homework for students to continue practicing the concept.
Real-Life Application
Bring the class back together, and introduce the concept of applying one step inequalities to real-life situations. Explain to the students that inequalities are often used to set limits or restrictions. Give examples of real-life scenarios where inequalities are used, such as height restrictions for amusement park rides or age restrictions for watching certain movies.
Discuss why these restrictions exist and how they are represented using inequalities. Ask students to brainstorm other examples of real-life situations where inequalities might be used.
Note to teacher: For more ideas on how to teach real-life applications of inequalities, refer to the FAQ section of the teaching resource.
Extensions
Additional Self-Checking Digital Practice
If you’re looking for digital practice for writing and graphing one-step inequalities, try my Pixel Art activities in Google Sheets. Every answer is automatically checked, and correct answers unlock parts of a mystery picture. It’s incredibly fun, and a powerful tool for differentiation.
Here are 2 activities to explore:
Additional Print Practice
A fun, no-prep way to practice writing and graphing one-step inequalities is with Doodle Math — they’re a fresh take on color by number or color by code. It includes multiple levels of practice, perfect for a review day or sub plan.
Here are 2 activities to try:
FAQs
One step inequalities are mathematical statements that compare two quantities using inequality symbols (greater than, less than, greater than or equal to, less than or equal to) and involve only one operation.
To write one step inequalities from verbal phrases, you need to identify the key words that indicate inequality and decide whether the inequality symbol should be greater than (>), less than (<), greater than or equal to (≥), or less than or equal to (≤). Then, substitute the appropriate value or variable for the phrase and write the inequality.
In graphing inequalities, open circles (or hollow circles) are used to represent strict inequalities (greater than or less than) and closed circles (or filled circles) are used to represent non-strict inequalities (greater than or equal to or less than or equal to). The circle is placed on the point that satisfies the inequality.
To graph one step inequalities, first plot the endpoint on the number line that represents the solution. Use an open or closed circle to indicate whether the solution is strict or non-strict. Then, shade the region on the number line that includes all the possible values that satisfy the inequality.
One real-life application of one step inequalities is setting age restrictions for certain activities or events. For example, determining the minimum age requirement for watching a rated R movie or the maximum height limit for riding roller coasters in an amusement park.
You can engage students during this lesson by incorporating hands-on activities like mazes or color-by-code worksheets that involve solving and graphing one step inequalities. Additionally, encourage students to create their own real-life scenarios that can be represented by inequalities.
To assess students' understanding, you can use various methods such as assigning practice problems, giving a quiz or test, or asking students to explain the steps involved in writing and graphing one step inequalities. Additionally, you can observe their participation and completion of the guided notes and activities provided in the lesson plan.
This particular lesson plan is designed for 6th-grade math students. However, with some modifications and adaptations, it can be used for students in other grades who are learning about or reviewing one step inequalities. If you want activities on solving one step inequalities, click here.