Solving Equations Resource for the Middle School Math Classroom that Differentiates Practice

Solving equations is a major part of middle school math.   So many students have different ability levels when it comes to pre-algebra skills.  Differentiating the practice assignments that students complete is so important to help students progress from simple equations to more complicated multi-step equations with variables on both sides.   Take a look at how this resource can be used in your middle school math classroom.

How to Use an Equations Stoplight Activity in the Math Classroom

Students start with the green level, which is the easiest level.  They will solve basic two step equations. 

After successfully passing the green level, they move onto the yellow level problems, which are slightly more difficult two step equations.   Two of the yellow level problems also have the distributive property included.  

Once students have completed the yellow level, they move onto the red level, which has variables on both sides of the equal sign.   In the red level, students also need to use the distributive property.  

The red level is the most difficult level and when students reach this level, they should be prepared to work more independently for a challenge.

Extra Tips for Using an Equations Stoplight Activity for Differentiation

The teacher can decide which level the students will start on in order to differentiate according to student skill level.   

Another option is to challenge your students to work through all 3 levels, green, yellow, and red.  If you go with this route, it will work much better to print on green, yellow, and pink paper so you can easily see which student is on which level. 

Don't have colored paper?   Try finding green, yellow, and pink highlighters for an added layer of fun for students.  

You can also use colored bins for students to submit their work.  That way, you can easily see how many students have turned in each level.

Digital Options for this Solving Equations Resource

This resource has 3 versions:  the printable version, a Google Slides version, and the Google Form version.

The printable version will work best to have students show their work on paper.   But if you want to go the digital route, then you have two options.

In the Google Slides version, students can still type out their work in the provided text boxes.  Also, you can assign all three slides at once, or pick which level you will assign to your students.

Finally, the Google Form version has all 3 levels and will self check the students' answers for you!   This will make your life easier since you'll have less grading to do.   

You might want to still have your students turn in scratch paper to show their work if you use the Google Form version.

Try a Solving Equations Resource in your Middle School Math Classroom Now!

Stoplight Activities are the best way to differentiate for your students when they are working on skills that have different levels of complexity.    

By using the green, yellow, and red levels, you will see where your students need more help and they will understand their progress as well.

You can try this Solving Equations Stoplight Activity in your Middle School Math Classroom for free!