Each fortnight, I will put together a selection of resources designed to help cover the objectives of the new maths curriculum for secondary schools (Key Stage 3). These are all freely available from the TES website.
You can find the full collection here
I hope you find them useful
Pupils should be taught to:
use and interpret algebraic notation, including:
- ab in place of a × b
- 3y in place of y + y + y and 3 × y
- a2 in place of a × a, a3 in place of a × a × a; a2b in place of a × a × b
- a/b in place of a ÷ b
- coefficients written as fractions rather than as decimals brackets
Simplifying expressions: Complete lessons
A set of PowerPoint presentations for different abilities covering algebraic notation. It is very well delivered with objectives and the topics broken up into small units.
Algebraic notation exam-style questions
A booklet of GCSE style questions on algebraic notation. Ideal for KS3 and GCSE revision.
Standards unit – Exemplification examples algebra
A supplement of examples for algebra to illustrate what pupils should be able to do within a particular strand of objectives by the end of each year. A very good guide for teachers.
Notes: Rules of algebra
This is a PowerPoint presentation of GCSE notes that covers off all the rules of algebra – very good to upload to your school VLE, email your students or print out.
understand and use the concepts and vocabulary of expressions, equations, inequalities, terms and factors
Ten quick questions expressions equations formulae
This is a 10-question starter/plenary to see if students can identify the difference between expressions, equations or formulae. Ideal for a plenary or revision lesson.
Matching activity for equations, identities and formulas
An activity for that short but vital task of sorting out the difference between these 4 types of algebraic notation.
Standards unit – Always, sometimes, never – Expressions/equations and formulas
An activity for inequalities, equations – that can be cut out and laminated.
simplify and manipulate algebraic expressions to maintain equivalence by:
- collecting like terms
- multiplying a single term over a bracket
- taking out common factors
- expanding products of two or more binomials
Magic squares for collecting like terms
A fun activity using magic squares for collecting like terms.
Collective memory – Collecting like terms
A collective memory activity on collecting like terms and simplifying. This one contains missing answers and a deliberate mistake.
Simplifying expressions worksheet
A simple but well-presented worksheet on simplifying expressions, a great extension where the answer is given and the student has to write the question.
Tick or trash brackets
A fantastic ‘tick or trash’ worksheet on expanding brackets, pupils need to decide which student is correct.
A lesson on expanding double brackets
A lesson on expanding double brackets, a very activity to start with.
Quadratics bingo activity
A bingo game on expanding two brackets, including bingo cards.
Factorising worksheet
A worksheet on factorising expressions – great for the lesson or homework.
Multiple choice activity: Expanding and factorising
A multiple choice activity on ‘expanding and factorising’, ideal for voting handsets. A great plenary or revision activity.