Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand basic algebraic concepts through fun activities related to zombies.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and pencils
• Coloring materials
• Zombie-themed stickers or cutouts (optional)

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Introduction to Zombies

   Start by discussing the student's interest in zombies and why they find them fascinating. Ask them to describe what they know about zombies and their characteristics. This will create engagement and set the stage for the math activities.

2. Zombie Counting

   Provide the student with a sheet of paper and ask them to draw a certain number of zombies (e.g., 5 zombies). Then, have them write an algebraic expression to represent the number of zombies drawn, using the variable "Z". For example, if they drew 5 zombies, the expression would be Z = 5.

3. Zombie Addition

   Using the same sheet of paper, ask the student to draw another group of zombies (e.g., 3 zombies) and write an algebraic expression to represent the total number of zombies, using the previous variable "Z". For example, if they drew 3 more zombies, the expression would be Z + 3.

4. Zombie Subtraction

   Now, have the student erase a certain number of zombies (e.g., 2 zombies) from their drawing and write an algebraic expression to represent the remaining number of zombies, using the variable "Z". For example, if they erased 2 zombies, the expression would be Z - 2.

5. Zombie Coloring

   Give the student a zombie-themed coloring sheet or allow them to draw their own zombie scene. While coloring, encourage them to count the number of zombies they colored and create an algebraic expression to represent it, using the variable "Z". For example, if they colored 4 zombies, the expression would be Z = 4.

6. Zombie Equations

   Challenge the student to write and solve simple equations related to zombies. For example, ask them to write an equation using the variable "Z" to represent the following scenario: "If there were 7 zombies and 3 more appeared, how many zombies are there in total?" The equation would be Z + 3 = 7.

First Grade Talking Points

• "Zombies are fictional creatures that many people find interesting."
• "We can use numbers and letters to represent the number of zombies we draw or talk about."
• "When we add more zombies, we use a plus sign (+) and write an expression like Z + 3."
• "When we take away or erase zombies, we use a minus sign (-) and write an expression like Z - 2."
• "We can also color zombies and count them to create expressions like Z = 4."
• "Sometimes we can use equations to solve problems related to zombies, like figuring out how many zombies there are in total."