Provide "acknowledged body of knowledge" related to the concept. Emphasize the most significant aspects of the concept in an organized, organic manner. Present information sequentially so students see continuity. Draw attention to important, discrete details; don't swamp students with myriad facts.

Instruction on balance in equations.

Objective: To teach about equality in mathematical equations.

Activity: 1. Using overhead transparency of balance scale and red and blue manipulatives, teacher demonstrates fundamental rule of working with equations: Whatever is done to one side of the equation must be done equally to the other side to maintain the balance. One-step addition and subtraction problems are demonstrated. Teacher reviews inverse property and zero property of addition. Students solve sample problems for immediate guided practice. (See Step Six.) 2. Teacher lectures on inverse property of multiplication, reciprocals, and reviews the property of one. Again using the overhead and manipulatives, teacher demonstrates 2 methods for solving sample equations focusing on the advantages/disadvantages of using reciprocals over inverse operations. Students experiment with sample equations to choose which method is most comfortable. (See Step Six.) 3. Teacher shows four ways to solve two-step equations. Students practice problems using the methods used for addition/subtraction and multiplication/division. Working in cooperative groups, they practice sample equations helping each other. (See Step Six.)

Assessment: Teacher checking for understanding and students' work on sample problems.