ICT resources for maths teachers

4. Equation Editor

Equation Editor is an add-on installation to Microsoft Word. If your school has not installed Equation Editor, you should have it installed before proceeding with this activity. Most recent versions of Microsoft Office will include Equation Editor and schools that have taken advantage of the SA Schools Agreement will all have the required software.

As a mathematics educator you will often be required to type equations while using the word processor to type worksheets, tests and exams. In the past you may have added some equations by hand. Equation Editor will assist you to type professional-looking equations.

Follow these steps to complete these activities. While practicing with Equation Editor, look for contexts that are meaningful to you in your classroom and create documents that you can adapt and use at a later stage. We will make suggestions about what documents to create, but if you prefer, you may create documents to suit your own needs.

Set up your word processor so that the Equation Editor icon is visible in the standard toolbar. In this way you will simply need to click on the icon in order to start the Equation Editor. (5 - 10 min)

How to set up the Equation Editor icon on your toolbar

Create a worksheet or test in which you include the use of the Equation Editor. (90 min)

Example 1: Create part of a worksheet or test where learners have to choose whether a given fraction is proper or improper. For each improper fraction, learners will be required to convert it into a mixed number. Examples of fractions to write are:

• Write the proper fraction
• Write the improper fraction
• Write the improper fraction as a mixed
  number 3

Example 2: Create a table that shows the sine, cosine and tangent values of the special angles 0° , 30° , 45° , 60° and 90°

OR

Create a one page information handout with all the standard trigonometric identities. This would include equations such as cos2 = 2cos 2 - 1

How to write equations in Equation Editor

Meet in groups or as a class during the last 15-20 minutes of the workshop.

• Showcase your work by displaying and sharing your worksheets and /or tests

Work on your own (between workshops)

• Plan some additional worksheets using equations and think about how you would construct them in Equation Editor. Next time you have the opportunity, create these worksheets using Microsoft Word's Equation Editor.

You have the option of using the South African National Portal (Thutong) to enhance this workshop activity.