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Emotion Equation

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Tara

Tier 3
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Emotion Meets Algebra Plan

Students will label emotions and translate them into algebraic variables to write and solve simple equations, strengthening both SEL and math skills.

Combining emotional vocabulary with algebra fosters self-awareness, enhances engagement, and builds confidence in math by making abstract concepts personally meaningful.

Audience

7th Grade Student

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Map feelings to variables and solve equations collaboratively.

Materials

Emotion Equation Slides, Algebra-Emotion Match-Up Worksheet, Emotion Equation Check Quiz, and Quiz Solutions Answer Key

Prep

Review & Prepare Materials

5 minutes

  • Open and familiarize yourself with Emotion Equation Slides
  • Print or load digital copies of Algebra-Emotion Match-Up Worksheet
  • Review questions in Emotion Equation Check Quiz and answers in Quiz Solutions Answer Key
  • Ensure workspace is set for one-on-one interaction

Step 1

Warm-Up Emotion Check-In

5 minutes

  • Ask the student to share how they feel right now using specific emotion words (e.g., 'excited', 'nervous').
  • Write the chosen emotion on the board or paper.
  • Reinforce that recognizing feelings is the first step in understanding them.

Step 2

Emotion-to-Variable Introduction

7 minutes

  • Display Slides 1–3 of Emotion Equation Slides to introduce variables as placeholders for emotions.
  • Explain how we can let x = a chosen emotion (e.g., x = 2 represents 'anxious').
  • Invite the student to select 2–3 personal emotions and assign each a variable name and numeric value.

Step 3

Guided Equation Solving

10 minutes

  • Give the student the Algebra-Emotion Match-Up Worksheet.
  • Solve the first 3 problems together: translate the emotional scenario into an equation, substitute values, and find unknowns.
  • At each step, prompt the student to explain their reasoning and provide positive feedback.

Step 4

Independent Quiz & Reflection

5 minutes

  • Ask the student to complete the Emotion Equation Check Quiz on their own.
  • Encourage them to jot down both their calculation steps and how the emotion connects to the equation.
  • Collect the quiz for review.

Step 5

Review & SEL Debrief

3 minutes

  • Go over the quiz using the Quiz Solutions Answer Key.
  • Discuss any errors and clarify both the math and the emotional context.
  • Celebrate the student’s progress in naming feelings and solving equations.
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Slide Deck

Emotion Equation

Pair feelings with algebra to build self-awareness and confidence.

We’ll map emotions to variables and solve simple equations together.

Welcome the student and introduce today’s lesson. Explain that we will combine emotions and algebra to make math more personal and engaging.

Why Emotions Matter in Math

• Emotions influence how we learn and solve problems.
• Naming feelings helps us understand ourselves.
• Connecting emotions to math makes concepts memorable.

Explain why recognizing emotions helps learning. Emphasize that naming feelings can improve focus and make abstract math more meaningful.

Mapping Emotions to Variables

Example assignments:
x = anxious (2)
y = excited (5)
z = calm (1)

Now you pick 2–3 emotions and assign each variable and number.

Show how to assign each emotion a variable and a numeric value. Invite the student to choose their own emotions and values.

Sample Equation

Equation: x + y = ?
Substitute: 2 + 5 = 7

Interpretation:
• x (anxious) + y (excited) = 7
• What might the total “7” tell us about combining these feelings?

Walk through substitution step by step. Then ask the student what the result could represent emotionally.

Guided Practice

Solve together:
2⋅x – y = ?
Given: x = calm (1), y = nervous (3)

  1. Substitute values
  2. Compute the result
  3. Explain what the result means emotionally

Hand the student the worksheet. Work together on the first problem, prompting them to explain each step and its emotional meaning.

Reflect & Connect

• Which emotion-equation did you enjoy the most?
• How did turning feelings into numbers help you understand both your emotions and algebra better?

Encourage the student to reflect on the lesson and share insights about how emotions and algebra connect.

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Worksheet

Algebra-Emotion Match-Up

Use the variables and values provided or choose your own. For each problem:

  1. Translate the emotions into an algebraic expression or equation.
  2. Show your steps and compute the result.
  3. Reflect on what your result tells you about how these emotions combine.

1. Calm + Nervous
You are feeling calm at level 2 and nervous at level 3.
• Write the expression for calm + nervous.
• Compute the result.
• Explain what the total tells you about combining “calm” and “nervous.”

Expression:




Result:




Interpretation:







2. Finding Relaxed
Let e = excited and r = relaxed.
You know: 2r + e = 10, and e = 4.
• Write the equation.
• Solve for r.
• Describe what the value of r might mean emotionally.

Equation:




Solve:




Interpretation:







3. Joyful Difference
Define s = sad and j = joyful.
The equation j – s = 2, and s = 3.
• Write the equation.
• Find j.
• Reflect on what the difference between joyful and sad tells you here.

Equation:




Find j:




Interpretation:







4. Your Own Anxious vs. Hopeful
Let a = anxious and h = hopeful.

  1. Choose numeric values for a and h.
  2. Write an equation for a – h = ?.
  3. Compute the result.
  4. Explain what your result says about how anxiety and hope interact.

Variables & values:




Equation:




Compute:




Interpretation:







5. Create Your Own Emotion Equation

  1. Pick two emotions and assign each a variable and numeric value.
  2. Write an equation that represents how these emotions combine (e.g., x + y = ?, 3x – y = ?, etc.).
  3. Show your work to solve for any unknown.
  4. Reflect on what your equation and solution reveal about the interaction of these emotions.

Variables & values:







Your equation:







Work & solution:







Interpretation:












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Quiz

Emotion Equation Check

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Answer Key

Quiz Solutions Answer Key

Question 1: Compute the Result

Prompt: Given x = calm (2) and y = nervous (3), what is the value of 2x – y?

Answer: B) 1

Step-by-Step Work:

  1. Substitute the values into the expression: 2x – y → 2·(2) – (3)
  2. Compute: 4 – 3 = 1

Interpretation Note: A result of 1 suggests that calm slightly outweighs nervousness in this scenario.

Question 2: Solve for j

Prompt: Define s = sad and j = joyful. If j – s = 2 and s = 3:

  1. Solve for j.
  2. Show your work and write a brief interpretation of what this value of j might mean emotionally.

Answer & Sample Work:

  1. Write the equation: j – s = 2
  2. Substitute s = 3: j – 3 = 2
  3. Solve for j: j = 2 + 3 ⇒ j = 5

Sample Interpretation: A joy level of 5 indicates a fairly strong feeling of joy. Since joy (5) is 2 units higher than sadness (3), it shows that positive feelings are outweighing the negative by a comfortable margin.

When grading, look for:

  • Correct equation setup and algebraic steps
  • Clear substitution of s = 3
  • Accurate solution j = 5
  • An interpretation that connects the numeric result back to emotional understanding.

Question 3: Self-Assessment

Prompt: How confident do you feel turning emotional words into numbers and solving equations? (1–5 scale)

Answer Key:

  • There is no single correct answer.
  • Use the student’s rating to inform your next steps:
    • Ratings 1–2: Provide additional modeling and guided practice.
    • Rating 3: Offer targeted feedback on areas of confusion.
    • Ratings 4–5: Encourage the student to teach back or create more complex emotion equations.

Teacher Note: Compare this self-assessment to the student’s performance on Questions 1 and 2 to adjust future lessons on emotional-algebra integration.

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