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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.

arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables

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.

arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables

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 and geometric sequences and series foldables

Arithmetic Sequences and Series Overview

arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables

Formulas for Arithmetic Sequences and Series

arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables
arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables
arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables
arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables
arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables
arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables

Geometric Sequences and Series Formulas

arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables
arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables
arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables
arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables
arithmetic and geometric sequences and series foldables

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.

Unknown

Monday 5th of February 2018

For some reason every time I look at your pages many of the pictures will not show up. I am not sure why, but it seems that my district is blocking them.

I am usually able to figure it out, just thought I would let you know.

Mostly, though, I want to thank you! You are making the move to interactive notebooks so much easier!

Unknown

Saturday 10th of December 2016

I really love this, and want to use this in my Algebra II classroom, but I have like 100+ students. And I just don't know how I would prep these foldables for them to put into their binders. Any advice you have for doing prep work?

banano

Wednesday 10th of February 2016

Hi Sarah, thank you so much for all your ideas! I've been stealing so many of them! I was wondering how you'd find formula for sequences that don't exactly fit into arithmetic or geometric formula, like 1, 3, 6, 10, 15,... ?

Unknown

Sunday 19th of October 2014

Do you teach the sum of infinite geometric series? Just curious. Love your blog. I have used so many of your ideas and downloads for my Algebra II Interactive Notebook. Thanks so much for being willing to share!

Sarah Carter (@mathequalslove)

Monday 20th of October 2014

Our Algebra 2 curriculum does not deal with infinite series.

And, thanks for reading my blog!

Florastar

Tuesday 6th of May 2014

Do you teach your students the recursive formulas for sequences?

Sarah Carter (@mathequalslove)

Wednesday 7th of May 2014

I haven't in the past because they weren't tested on our end-of-instruction exams. I need to look into if they are required by CCSS for next year, though.

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