Students who complain that mathematics makes no sense in the real world should be introduced to Maths @ Work, a series of attractive videos showing how young people in a variety of jobs need to use what they have learned in the classroom. A hairdresser needs to calculate the ratio of peroxide to colour; a health instructor has to convert miles to kilometres and interpret graphs; and an apprentice instrument technician uses lnear equations and binary numbers.
Teachers’ packs (video and lesson plans on CD-Rom or A4 paperback) cost pound;20 (+pound;3.50 VAT) from Maths @ Work organising office, Harrison Smith Associates, Third floor, Diamond House, 36-38 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8EB. There is a 12.5 per cent discount on five or more packs. Tel: 020 7404 5444. Email: lessons@hsamarketing.co.uk Website and online shop: www.mathsatwork.co.uk