Using Technology to Differentiate Instruction
Lesson Plan Outline
1. Lesson Title: Infinite Geometric Series
2. Date of Implementation: n/a
3. Lesson Author(s): M. Greene
4. Subject Area(s): Pre-Calc
5. Grade Level: 11-12
6. Approximate Time Needed: 30 min
7. PA Content Standard(s): 2.11
8. Objectives/Lesson Outcomes: Students will be able to approximate the sums of
infinite geometric series using Excel spreadsheets.
9. Materials and Resources Required:
A. Technology (include location and equipment): Room 412 computer lab.
In-focus machine required.
B. Printed Materials: INFINITE GEOMETRIC SERIES WORKSHEET
C. Other Supplies: None required.
10. Lesson Procedures:
GUIDE THE STUDENTS TO:
 Open Excel. Enter the first term of the series into cell A1, fill the rest of
column A with consecutive counting numbers down to the very last cell.
 Enter a function into cell B1, using cell A1 as the variable. Copy the formula
down to the very last cell in column B (cell A2 would be the variable for cell
B2, etc.)
 In cell C1, find the sum of column B. The answer is an approximation for the
sum of the infinite geometric series.
FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE LESSON, ASSIST STUDENTS AS THEY
COMPLETE A WORKSHEET OF INFINITE GEOMETRIC SERIES
PROBLEMS.
11. Modifications for Differentiated Instruction:
A. Remediation: Allow students to check their work with the answer key.
Assist any students who are having difficulty.
B. Enrichment: Challenge students to create and find the sum of their own
geometric series. As an additional challenge, have them create infinite
geometric series that they believe will result in a sum of 10, 20, 50 etc. (The #
isn’t really important)
12. Student Assessment: Observation, check the worksheet, homework, test