Algebra Makes Sense
This is a resource book of 20 photocopiable activities in the ‘Make sense’ series from SMILE. All the activities have a pupil resource sheet, teacher notes, answers and are referenced to the Key Stage Three Framework for Mathematics covering levels 4 to 7. The materials are also linked to the microSMILE algebra software pack. The emphasis, as one would expect, is on a collaborative approach and there are also ideas for developing the activities further through enriching mathematical thinking.
Those who are familiar with the original SMILE individualised learning material will recognise some of the activities as old favourites and there are some new ideas included as well. There are activities based on making algebra jigsaws, matching cards, and simple games to encourage students to engage in algebraic thinking. The activities are engaging and well produced and would be a valuable and well used addition to departmental resources.
Ros Hyde • University of Southampton
Algebra Makes Sense
How I wish our students were better at algebra. We find it can be a real stumbling block for some of them. Although they can often learn techniques well enough to solve algebraic problems we are not always convinced they’ve really understood – and then GCSE or A-level comes along and they come unstuck. So a publication called Algebra Makes Sense sounds just the book we have been waiting for.
Like other SMILE publications the book is a collection of activities ranging from level 4 to level 7 and would appear to be ideally suited to KS3 classes. The book is fully photocopiable.
The activities include some work on functions and number machines with a section on codes being used as a means of providing interesting solutions. However, I am a little nervous about students learning that a = 1 and b = 2 since many assume that this will always be the case. However, this activity could be developed to experiment with other values for a and b and try them out on friends.
Some activities encouraged students to adopt a guessing type strategy for solving linear equations – which may be successful but I am a little wary of teaching this kind of strategy.
There are some good worksheets involving number patterns and the quest for the nth term, and some good matching exercises involving word equations and their symbolic equivalent.
Good answers are given throughout and clear guidance as to the national curriculum levels and appropriate references from the national framework.
By the end of the book I still had a few uncertainties of their value – perhaps I am too desperately seeking an easy way out from the complex challenge of successfully teaching algebra – but there are some good activities on offer and I am sure these could be used with considerable success.
Accompanying the book is a CD-ROM with some MicroSMILE programs. These were very interesting and the interactive nature of the programs made them suitable for whole class presentation, or for students to use on their own. I suspect that this CD-ROM would, on its own, make the purchase worthwhile.
This is a product to be recommended – the CD-ROM on its own is good enough to improve the teaching of algebra, while the book presents additional valuable material. With resources like this, perhaps more students will leave our schools with a better understanding, and enjoyment, of algebra.
Peter Hall - Tonbridge Grammar School
Algebra Makes Sense
20 differentiated activities. Fully photocopiable (NC levels 4 to 7)
SMILE Mathematics £15.00
ISBN 184554256-8
MicroSMILE Algebra v.1.0
Five programs (NC levels 4 – 7)
Single user £55. More than 50 users £220.00
Review Sections
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