Sequences and Series Foldables

I created these arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables to help my Algebra 2 students to help them keep track of what each variable in the formulas stands for. We glued the foldables in our interactive notebooks with some practice problems.

One of my last Algebra 2 units before state testing was arithmetic and geometric sequences and series.  Our students are given the formulas for the nth term and the sum of the first n terms, but they are given no explanation for what each variable represents.

So, I like to spend an entire class period discussing what each variable represents.  Then, we look at word problems and label all of the information with the correct variable.  

The kids hate it, but it really helps them in the long run.  This year, I had a handful of students who decided to just tune out this entire explanation.  

Well, to be honest, they tuned out most of what I said this entire year.  And, their test scores certainly reflected that.  🙁

By now, you know that I love foldables.  I adore foldables.  I’m pretty sure I think and lesson plan in terms of foldables and graphic organizers.  

There are some foldables I make that are just meh.  Then, there are the foldables that I can’t wait to show my kids.  The ones I’m about to post belong to the latter category.

I think these are pretty self-explanatory, so I’m going to post the pictures without much commentary.  If you have questions about anything, please ask!  I’ve uploaded templates for the formula foldables at the bottom of this post.  Enjoy!

We completed Frayer Models for both Sequence and Series.

Arithmetic Sequences and Series Overview

Formulas for Arithmetic Sequences and Series

Geometric Sequences and Series Formulas

In 2015, my notes for this unit looked almost identical.

A couple of students suggested that I spend more time having them find values recursively before I ever give them formulas.  I think this is definitely worth considering!  I see the need for the formula.  Now, I need to get my kiddos to see the need for the formula.

Ideas for revamping this unit:

Sequence vs Series Card Sort – Some students seem to confuse the definition of series with the definition of arithmetic.  Fix this!

Arithmetic vs Geometric Card Sort – Students must determine whether to solve for r or d!

Solve Two Ways – Make a notebook page where students have to solve for a certain term or sum recursively AND using the formula.

Word Problem Practice – Put more word problems and their worked solutions in our notebooks!  Students seem to struggle with determining arithmetic vs. geometric from a story problem.

Dice – Have students generate their own sequences somehow.  Roll a die.  This is a sub one.  Roll the die again.  This is a sub two.  If this sequence is arithmetic, continue it.  If this sequence is geometric, continue it.