Anecdote: I’ve tutored elementary school kids (in Massachusetts) who are doing basic algebra with shapes and emoji instead of letters.
> 5 + $basketEmoji = 7
> What number is hiding in the basket?
They have no idea they’re doing algebra or what algebra even is but they’re doing it. And they understand the concept on a fundamental level.
I don’t remember anyone explaining a variable to me so explicitly. I just remember showing up one day and having to deal with random letters mixed into my math homework.
> 5 + $basketEmoji = 7
> What number is hiding in the basket?
They have no idea they’re doing algebra or what algebra even is but they’re doing it. And they understand the concept on a fundamental level.
I don’t remember anyone explaining a variable to me so explicitly. I just remember showing up one day and having to deal with random letters mixed into my math homework.