Grid Algebra
<< An ATM publication
Working in a large special school, I was interested to see if algebra software, aimed at mainstream secondary schools, would be suitable for my students. I have been using Grid Algebra with my top set students (most have Moderate Learning Difficulties and/or Autistic Spectrum Disorder) in Y9, Y10 and Y11 for whole class teaching (my classes have about 12 students). These students are working towards KS3 SATs (Level 3-5) and GCSE foundation level. Most of the students have not studied algebra until they reach Y9.
Grid algebra is a piece of software that can be used to practise the 4 operations, to introduce algebra at level 3/4. It also has the capacity to challenge students who are familiar with algebra, working at much higher levels.
The basic grid is easy to use – it is a blank grid which represents part of the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 times tables, the size of the grid can be altered. Numbers or letters can be entered into any box and expressions created by dragging this box to another box. The route, as you drag an expression, determines the final expression that the computer writes. This allows you to explore equivalent numerical or algebraic expressions; negative numbers; order of operations; brackets; collecting terms and more. There is also an algebraic calculator that enables you to see how an expression is created: we chanted ‘times means put brackets around’ the current expression and ‘the number goes in front’; ‘divide means draw a line under’ an expression and ‘the number goes underneath’.
The software can be used to explore the grid and make routes but also has a set of 26 tasks, each with a range of difficulty levels, ranging from calculating to expanding and factorising algebraic expressions, simplifying and substituting. This makes it useful for number as well as algebra work and hence good value for money.
It took a few lessons to familiarise the students with the way the grid worked and we practised writing expressions ‘like the calculator does’. After that we tried the tasks: practised collecting terms and even learnt to multiply out a bracket and factorise an expression using Grid Algebra alone. Work that other students have previously struggled to grasp has been greeted with ‘well it’s obvious isn’t it’ when using Grid Algebra. Some of the tasks are timed, e.g. Make the Expression, and the student enjoyed competing with each other and the clock.
We did struggle to see some of the letters on the Interactive whiteboard (due to the font) but otherwise the software was clear and easy to use.
I was pleasantly surprised that my students took to the software so easily and hence to learning formal algebra. I think the best way, to show the ease with which they moved to using and manipulating letters, is to quote a Y10 student (who achieved a Level 3 in his KS3 SAT). When asked if we should do the number version of a task before the one with letters he said: ‘Why did they bother to put that in. It’s too easy! They should have just done the one with letters’. By popular demand we just did the one with letters!
Using Grid Algebra, the students were fully engaged, enjoyed the tasks and were motivated to get algebraic notation correct. They practised number skills and learnt new skills manipulating symbols. This they managed to transfer to work on paper too. I was impressed both with the students and the software.
Paula Mcloughlin
Grid Algebra
Dave Hewitt, ATM
Single User Licence £60.00 (Members £45.00)
Site Licence £180.00 (Members £135.00)
ATM
Unit 7 Prime Industrial Park
7 Shaftesbury Street
Derby
DE23 8YB
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