Free Functional Skills and Skills for Life resources
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MSS1/L2.8
MSS1/L2.8 Understand and use given formulae for finding areas and perimeters of composite shapes (e.g. non rectangular rooms or plots of land)
(a) know that measurements must be in the same units before calculating area
(b) know how to break down a composite shape into regular shapes
In this activity, learners have to calculate how much paint is required for a specified job, find prices from different sources and work out total prices. This can then be compared. The resource is in two versions – one with formulae for the required calculations and one without – different pages from each version can be mixed and match to meet different learners’ needs.
The activity requires internet access – however price lists could be substituted for this if this is not available in your context.
10 very useful multiple choice, topic-based Functional Maths questions.
The focus is on perimeter and area but there is one volume question.
Ideal for assessment or revision.
Editor’s note
No answer sheet.
This is just one of a set of 10 worksheets.
This is a good starter activity to introduce measures, shape and space. It is also useful in dividing classes into small groups.
Using the templates I created I printed them on to card of different colours. I gave the shapes to the learners as they entered the room and told them to find the table with the same shape on it. When they reached the table they found the shape and some questions to answer.
After five minutes I asked for feedback from the learners.
A set of two posters for the classroom – also useful as handouts. Formulae (L2)
I asked a group of my learners to come up with a short and snappy set of rules for using formulae. One of the group wrote the rules in the form of a poster, from which I developed this poster.
Covers general rules for using formulae such as order of operations (BIDMAS). Plus a separate page specifically for using a formula to find the area of a circle.
Three fabulous PPTs – great for St George’s day but could be used year round.
The full length one (22 slides) was written for a 2.5 hour observed session and has in-depth coverage of multiplying decimals; area of rectangles, triangles, circles and compound shapes; substitution; and a general warm-up quiz.
There are alternative shortened versions (some activities are slightly different too) for a 1 hr L1 lesson (area of rectangles) and a 1.5 hr L1-2 Lesson (no triangles).
8 week fully mapped medium term plan / scheme of work for teaching perimeter, area and volume to learners preparing for Edexcel ALAN (adult literacy and numeracy) tests.
Lots of detail – including hyperlinks to online practice tests and DfES Skills for Life worksheets. Fully mapped and differentiated. With loads of lovely hands-on kinaesthetic ideas for covering these topics.
Working out the cost of carpeting a flat (compound shapes) and seeding and fencing a circular lawn.
The step by step problem solving approach also makes this ideal for underpinning L2 Functional Maths.
