Introduction to standard index form/teaching approach

Standard Index Form is a key idea for mathematicians and scientists. The notion that we deliberately write numbers in a way that is not immediately obvious to pupils is one that requires some thought; this is a way for pupils to discover and engage in investigation⁽ⁱ⁾ for themselves how standard index form works in a higher order⁽ⁱ⁾ problem solving context, encouraging them to engage in mathematical thinking⁽ⁱ⁾. At various points pupils may engage in whole class⁽ⁱ⁾ or small group work⁽ⁱ⁾ discussion⁽ⁱ⁾, this is a good opportunity for them to practice using mathematical language⁽ⁱ⁾ and questioning⁽ⁱ⁾ skills.

This means they do not need to be able to explain it in full, but can use clues and instant feedback provided by a calculator to discover whether their ideas are correct or not. This is also an exciting way for pupils to realise that their initial ideas may fit the data they have up to that point, but that these ideas may need to be changed or extended as new ideas arise.

This resource, therefore, aims to support pupils in their development of investigative skills, as well as introducing them to standard index form in a way that is memorable. After this introduction the pupils can use their knowledge of indices to engage in discussion⁽ⁱ⁾ and group talk⁽ⁱ⁾ to explain what is going on and why it works.