This is a project based on Benford's law. I had this idea after watching the Numberphile series on YouTube. This is a project based activity that involves many skills including working with large numbers, using percentages, representing data and probability.
The investigation is introduced to learners using the PPT (and optional YouTube links). Learners then split into four groups - each is given a random set of share prices [see Excel file]. Each group investigates the occurrence of numbers starting with each digit from 1 to 9.
Editor's note
Level
L1
L2
Maths
FM Complex multi-step problem(s)
FM L1.1 Read, write, order and compare large numbers (up to one million)
FM L1.14 Calculate percentages of quantities, including simple percentage increases and decreases by 5% and multiples thereof
L1.15 Estimate answers to calculations using fractions and decimals
L1.27 Represent discrete data in tables, diagrams and charts including pie charts, bar charts and line graphs
L1.28 Group discrete data and represent grouped data graphically
L1.30 Understand probability on a scale from 0 (impossible) to 1 (certain) and use probabilities to compare the likelihood of events
L1.31 Use equally likely outcomes to find the probabilities of simple events and express them as fractions
A reading comprehension and vocabulary activity suitable for both ESOL and Literacy / Functional Skills. The activities are based on a BBC News article about John Cronin’s online business, John’s Crazy Socks. John, who has Down’s Syndrome, is a co-founder of the business, along with his father, Mark.
Level
E2
E3
L1
English
Engage in Discussion
Use reading strategies
Rw/L1.2
Identify main points and detail
Plan, compose and draft
Follow and understand
Functional Skills English
ESOL
ESOL Reading: word focus (vocabulary, word recognition, phonics)
My class of adult learners were struggling to associate fractions with real world scenarios so I created this worksheet based on honest situations.
The questions are diverse in difficulty from Entry level 2 to Level 2 making it a good worksheet as a starter or revision. Editor’s note
With curriculum mapping and answers
This a functional resource. This resource uses addition, subtraction, multiplication and rounding numbers.
Sam and Tom have weekly incomes from various sources and lots of expenditure!
Subtraction is needed to find out how much money they have left, and multiplication is used to work out money needed for lunches for each day. Each section ends with a rounding task showing items the students have saved for.
I use this in my ESOL Functional Maths classes. I know there are already excellent measures / postal charges resources on Skillsworkshop, but I wanted to do a matching type exercise, which ESOL students are very familiar with.
Comprehensive, step by step 12 page workbook.
Students must research their own budgets and local financial institutions before making major financial decision such as costing an event and taking out a loan to buy a car.
Covers money, decimals, ratio and percentages (interest rates). Fully mapped to E2-L1 Functional Maths.
Very useful set of follow me cards based on everyday scenarios such as car repair bills, lottery wins, and finding money down the back of the sofa! With instructions.
Based on two recent articles / surveys on Black Friday shopping, the main focus of this resource is Functional Mathematics but there is also an introductory page of English questions that check vocabulary, purpose of text and the ability to extract meaning from graphical material and captions.
This is followed by three pages of challenging differentiated questions for E3-L2 Functional Maths – all are based on the infographics within the text. Topics include large numbers, percentages, fractions and the four operations.
