Maths teacher Kathryn Hurrell sets up this kinaesthetic activity to help her lower ability year 9 pupils understand straight-line graphs. She gives groups of pupils some simple y=mx+c equations; then they work out pairs of suitable coordinates and stand at that point within a large scale set of axes on the classroom carpet. By doing this, they start to appreciate what their graph should look and feel like, and how its 'slope' changes with the different equations they've been given. Kathryn, a maths teacher at Comberton Village College, explains that any classroom management issues this activity might raise through pupils moving around the room are outweighed by its value as a practical and effective lesson that they'll easily remember when they're thinking about graphs and gradients.

Video Series: Great Lesson Ideas
Release Date 2010