Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Mathematics
Lesson Topic: Algebraic manipulation: expressions, formulae, expansion, factorisation
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the components of algebraic expressions (terms, coefficients, degree).
  • Apply systematic steps to rearrange formulae and make a chosen variable the subject.
  • Expand and factorise algebraic expressions using standard identities and factorisation techniques.
  • Verify results by substituting values or multiplying factors to check correctness.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Printed worksheet with practice questions
  • Algebra tiles (optional for visualising factorisation)
  • Scientific calculators
  • Formula sheet handout
 Introduction:
Algebraic manipulation is the toolbox that lets us turn complex problems into manageable calculations. Students should already know basic operations with variables and how to simplify simple expressions. By the end of the lesson they will be able to correctly expand, factorise and rearrange formulae and check their results against the original expression.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Quick mental quiz on terms, coefficients and degree.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Review expression components and step‑by‑step formula rearrangement with examples.
  3. Guided practice (15'): Teacher models expansion and factorisation; students work in pairs to replicate.
  4. Independent practice (15'): Worksheet covering expansion, factorisation, and making variables the subject; teacher circulates for support.
  5. Check for understanding (5'): Exit ticket – one expansion, one factorisation, plus a brief reflection on the process.
Conclusion:
We recap the three square identities, the importance of extracting the GCF first, and the habit of checking work by reversing the process. Exit tickets are collected, and for homework students complete an additional worksheet with five new problems on expansion and factorisation to reinforce today’s techniques.