Very much a work in progress, but I have created an Excel version of the A Level Mathematics (age 16-18) subject content. This means it is easy to add notes and/or links to resources.
I have made a start by adding some links to ClassWhizz Calculator instructions and videos. Links have also been given to other resources.
I will be adding to this in the coming weeks and also over the next year, teaching the A Level content of the new specifications for the first time. More technology resources will be added by topic. Scroll down this page, Maths & Further Maths Technology by Content passed the first image.
AQA’s ‘A Level Maths The thinking behind great assessment(no login required for download)provides much food for thought whichever exam board you are using. See page 17 for example on what AQA expect students to be able to do with a calculator. Are your students aware of what they should be using a calculator for?
A major page update this week; I have updated the UK A Level (16-18) Exam Questions and Solutions page so this now also includes links to all the Sample Assessment Materials for the new specifications. With common content for all A Level Mathematics Specifications, these provide very useful practice for students for students studying the new specifications.
Links to all legacy papers are provided as are other revision resources. All the links and resources have been checked and new resources added including crashMaths with their free practice papers and mark schemes for the new specification.
crashMaths
Staying with crashMATHS and revision – I do like the GCSE Revision mazes available under GCSE Teaching Resources (Classroom Activities). These cover a good variety of topics and solutions are provided.
What is an arithmagon? Clearly, the numbers in the rectangles are the sum of the numbers in the adjacent circles. Of course, there is no need to use addition and no need to use triangular arithmagons!
These could be used with students of all ages. Young children could practice basic skills or students studying advanced Mathematics could look at Calculus or Complex Numbers for example.The challenge is, of course, to go backwards…(Going backwards in Mathematics really helps understanding).
From Mark McCourt’s emaths, the Teacher Resources include Investigations, Rich Tasks and Puzzles; these include a small collection of Arithmagons by Alan Hodson covering Number and Algebra. The Algebra resources include simplification using like terms and solving linear equations. A PowerPoint file showing an investigative approach using number and algebra and notes are included as is a useful sheet of 15 blank Arithmagons for students to record answers.
Noting this tweet from Spencer Riley (I really like his TeacherLED site which has free high-quality teaching and learning resources compatible with desktop and mobile devices.) I had a look at his Arithmagons resource and can verify it worked very well on my phone as well as on the desktop.
Arithmagons – Spencer Riley on TeacherArithmagons Collection – Craig Barton
From Craig Barton, we have a complete collection, covering Number, Algebra and Shape and Space. Each resource includes a PowerPoint File with clear instructions and a selection of challenges to really make your students think.
Arithmagon Generator – Jonathan Payne
From Jonathan Payne, try this Arithmagon Generator. This is very simple to use and would be an ideal lesson starter. I like the option to use fractions, also to mix the question types as you see in the image. It is possible to choose missing sides, mixed or missing vertices.
From another Jonathan you can find another Arithmagon generator on Jonathan Hall’s wonderful Mathsbot site. As always with Jonathan’s resources you have choices to create the resource you want.
On Transum Mathematics(home of the excellent Starter a Day), the Arithmagon activity has options for forwards and backwards problems on Addition, Multiplication and Subtraction at various levels.
Using the Quadratic Formula – Minimally Different Problems
Note the menu on the right-hand side to help you find exercises.
As Jess says, text exercises can become too varied too quickly, so perhaps try some minimally different problems to explore what happens with these small changes.
MEI M4 Magazine Archive
MEI has been busy, their M4 Magazine is a source of excellent resources as well as articles to read. Now you can search the archive for GCSE problems categorised by topic.
I enjoyed many excellent sessions at the recent BCME9 conference; I particularly enjoyed the Nrich session. Nrich has so many accessible problems, it’s not just all about high ability students; try these problems on Factors, Multiples and Primesfor example.
For the new specification – A Level proof, I’ll certainly be using this Interactive Proof Sorter example which works on my phone as well as on my laptop.
Nrich – IFF – Interactive Proof Sorter
From the brilliant Maths Emporium, some very useful GCSE examination advice for your students. This particular guide to life made me laugh!
Following the BCME 2018 Conference 2018 where I presented a session on Low Stakes Testing in the Mathematics Classroom, I have created a shorter version of the Slide set to concentrate on ideas and resources for using Retrieval Practice, something which can be a regular part of lessons. Retrieval Practice does not have to be about quizzes, it can be as simple as the right choice of task which will involve students reviewing previous learning. Slides have been annotated which I hope will add clarity.
A new page, Retrieval Practice has been added to the Lesson Planning series. That page includes further background and reading as well as links to all the resources mentioned.
