Pre-Algebra: Teacher Edition (PDF)
In Pre-Algebra Using LEGO® Bricks—Teacher Edition, Dr. Shirley Disseler has developed activities that work to help students learn about pre-algebra, using a common toy available in most classrooms and homes—LEGO® bricks!
In pre-algebra, students are introduced to topics that help them prepare for high school math content. These include integers, fractions, square roots, step equations, linear equations, and decimals. In pre-algebra, student learn how to solve basic equations using variables. Modeling with LEGO® bricks, students engage in problem-solving activities that expand their knowledge of:
• absolute value and positive/negative numbers
• exponents, including negative exponents and multiplicative inverse
• rules of integers
• algebraic expressions
• equations and inequalities
• slope
The book progresses through these topics in modules, moving from more basic to more complex in each chapter. Most students learn these pre-algebra topics between grades 6 - 8.
Using LEGO® bricks to model math provides a universal language. Children everywhere recognize this manipulative. It’s fun to learn when you’re using LEGO® bricks!
About the Author
Dr. Shirley Disseler has been Associate Professor at High Point University and the STEM Coordinator for the BA to MEd Program, and currently serves as Adjunct Professor. She has over 30 years of educational experience, from elementary school teaching through higher education, including gifted education and exceptional children. She is the CEO of BrickEd & More, a center for innovation and creative play in Salisbury, NC.
Disseler is a LEGO® Education Academy Trainer and serves as the LEGO® Math Expert for Elementary Curriculum Development. She has been instrumental in the development and testing of the LearnToLearn, MoreToMath, and WeDo 2.0 products. She serves on the LEGO® Education Ambassadors Panel.
Disseler is the author of all the books in the Brick Math series, as well as Strategies and Activities for Common Core Math, Parts 1 & 2. She conducts research on engagement and creativity in mathematics classrooms and offers consulting in manipulative mathematics, active learning, classroom management, and learning with LEGO® bricks.