Florida B.E.S.T. MA.2.AR.2.1

Math2nd Grade

The Standard

Determine and explain whether equations involving addition and subtraction are true or false.

Florida B.E.S.T. Standards for Mathematics

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students find the value on each side of an equal sign and compare the results. They decide whether the values match and explain their reasoning with numbers, drawings, or objects.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students accurately calculate or model both sides, including equations with operations on each side. They explain that an equation works when both sides represent the same amount.
Common Misconceptions: Students may treat the equal sign as a signal to calculate only what comes before it. They may compare the written expressions instead of their values. Subtraction errors can also lead to an incorrect comparison.
How to Assess It: Give the equation 13 - 5 = 4 + 4. Ask students to decide if it is correct and show how they checked each side.

Lesson moves

Build 9 + 4 and 15 - 2 with counters on two mats, then compare the totals and explain the match.
Ask, “Is 14 - 6 = 5 + 3 correct?” Students write two sentences explaining how they checked both sides.
Play Equation Sort: partners place cards under Same Value or Different Value, then earn a point for each accurate explanation.
Compare snack bags described by 8 + 5 crackers and 16 - 3 crackers, then decide whether they hold equal amounts.

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