Monthly Archives: November 2014

239. Introduction to Arithmetic sequences

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Here’s a quick post for all those of you teaching Arithmetic Sequences. Whether you are teaching Level 3 Algebra or the C1 A-Level module, the jump from GCSE Nth term to the form ‘a + (n-1)d’ can be unnecessarily tricky. To help with this I’ve written a starter booklet for Arithmetic Sequences. You can download it here:

Introduction to arithmetic sequences

By the way, if your students confuse the vocabulary ‘sequence’ with ‘series’ get them to think about television. A normal television series ends, so an arithmetic series must end too!

238. Duck repairs

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Duck Brand tape – it’s brilliant!

You only have to look at post 234 to see a great learning opportunity with duct tape … but the crazy patterns on Duck tape make it even cooler!

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The older designs are often discontinued and reduced which is a great chance to bulk buy. Apart from the obvious craft applications you can use it for quick book repairs. It’s much quicker and neater than tape.

Torn spine?

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Cover come off?

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You could even use different patterns to identify different groupings.

237. Quick Starter

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Don’t you just hate it when students forget basic key skills? Especially those at the higher end of Year 11 or studying A-Level, who should have a better core knowledge. What if there was a magic tool which began to address this issue?

Skills required

  • Comparing fractions
  • Trigonometric ratios
  • Simplifying surds
  • Rationalising surds
  • Pythagoras

Equipment

You will not need:

  • Worksheet
  • Powerpoint
  • Printer
  • Laminator
  • Calculator

Magic Tool

  • One board, with pen

Activity

Quite simply draw the four diagrams below on the board and ask the following questions:

Triangle Problems

  1. Which has the largest sine ratio: A or B?
  2. Which has the largest cosine ratio: C or D?
  3. Which has the smallest tangent ratio: A, B, C or D?
  4. Extension: Calculate the missing angles and areas (Calculator allowed)

It takes moments to draw the questions on the board, but the discussion can take some time and addresses several basic skills. You can change the numbers to adjust the level of challenge.