One Step Further (ICT Integration)

ICT resources for maths teachers

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.

By the end of this activity you could achieve the following outcomes:

- Set up your word procesor so that the Equation Editor icon is visible in the standard toolbar.
- Create part of a worksheet or test in which you include mathematical expressions.

2 hours

Follow these steps to complete these activities. While practising 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.

	Description	Resources
1	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)
2	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 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
3	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
4	Work on your own (between workshops) Consider how you could use the software that you evaluated in your class with learners should you have the opportunity to do so. You may like to make some points on what activities you will design for learners. In a later activity you will be asked to create a worksheet. The use of this software in class could be the topic of that worksheet.
5	Community of teachers Join the Partners in Learning Network and find a community of teachers online.	» Go to the Partners in Learning Network

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