In this activity you can explore using a calculator to solve word and numerical problems. It provides the opportunity for you to input your own questions and to explore computer-generated questions. It is important that pupils think through the process before starting the calculation and this will help reinforce the order of calculation, the importance of rounding and understanding of decimal problems with time and money. Stress use of the function buttons such as +/- and brackets.

Suitable for

Year 7

Prior learning required

Some previous experience with calculators will be expected.

Aims and objectives

Pupils need to be able to use the calculator with speed, familiarity and accuracy. This activity provides the whole class with the opportunity to explore a wide range of calculations and ways of solving problems using the calculator.

Using a non-interactive whiteboard

The lesson can be used in the same way except with the teacher using the keyboard and mouse instead of touching the screen. Answers can be written with a pen and wiped off.

Suggestions for group activities

Relate the questions you have demonstrated to the questions you use for group work. Have pupils work individually with calculators and in pairs discussing their ideas. Run a competition using teams to determine who can find the answer to a calculation fastest. You could use the onscreen calculator to then confirm the answer. Set up a number hunt, where pupils have to solve clues (using a calculator) and then find the number somewhere in the room. Have copies of the numbers on stickers at the site, so that they can place the sticker in their book once found. Order the clues differently for each group to avoid pupils all ending up in one place in the room.

Suggestions for differentiation

Pupils who find this work more challenging may need to concentrate on using the calculator to solve straightforward problems with multiplication and division moving onto time and brackets as they grow more confident. More able pupils will find some of the computer-generated questions challenging, so choose similar work for them to complete individually.

Further activities

Use calculators in science and geography to reinforce the usefulness of the tool.

Curriculum links

Calculations section of the Key stage 3 National Strategy Framework for teaching Yr 7, 8 and 9 objective 108-9, calculator methods. Also calculator methods in the national curriculum.