Calculating the Volume of a Pyramid

When calculating the volume of a pyramid we can substitute the values of the length, width and perpendicular height into the formula V = 1/3 lwh.  In my experience this is often provided for the students with little explanation as to why a volume of a pyramid is exactly one third the volume of a […]

Solving 3D Problems using Trigonometry

When teaching solving 3D problems using trigonometry we begin the lesson with a recap of Pythagoras’ Theorem and the three trigonometric ratios.  We do this by matching the ratio and equations to the respective right-angled triangle.   Students are encouraged to work in pairs and to show the diagrams as part of the working out on […]

Rounding to a significant figure

When I teach rounding to a significant figure, I ask the class to discuss in pairs or small groups a definition for the word significant.  It is a word that all the students have heard before but not all are able to define. After 2 or 3 minutes of conversation I ask the students to […]