Ms.

Jelizabeth Francisco

Doubling Pennies Lesson Plan

Topic: Sum of Geometric Series
Entry Characteristics: Ratios and Sequences (Algebra 1)
Grade: 12
Objective: Students will be able to identify what is a geometric series and learn how to solve for
it using the formula. Students will recognize the value of pennies.
CCSSM Addressed: CCSS.Math.Content.HSA-SSE.B.4 Derive the formula for the sum of a
finite geometric series (when the common ratio is not 1), and use the formula to solve problems.
For example, calculate mortgage payments.
Resources and Materials: Instructions, Formula, Doubling Pennies Activity sheet
Procedures:
1. Quick lesson on geometric series
2. See if they can come up with formula of the sum of geometric series and explain it
3. Have them break up into groups of 3-4 and hand out a penny activity sheet where they
will discover which is greater, double the amount of pennies per day for a month or 1
million dollar.
4. They will then solve geometric series problem for the nth term using the formula given.
5. Circulate the class and make sure they are using the formula correctly
6. Make sure the students understand the pattern and formula of the geometric series
7. Results of the penny activity sheet for n=30.
30=
In pennies:
s

1,073,741,823

In dollar form:

30=
s

$10,737,418.23

8. Discuss their findings and results

Closure/Homework: Ask to name one thing they learned in class. Then, for homework students
will take home a worksheet with three problems for them to solve using the sum of geometric
series formula for different cases.

Follow-up: Go over homework problems in next class. Go over more examples of geometric

series and show the students the summation sign

Assessment: Informal Assessment
I will observe the class as they are working on the problems on geometric series and see if they
are getting it or if they are stuck. I will use thumbs up thumbs down on how they feel about the
lesson. I will also have discussions and ask the following questions during the lesson:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

What patterns do you see in a geometric series?

Can you come up with a formula?
What is happening to the numbers?
Who can tell me why it increases so rapidly?
Name other examples of geometric series

Rubric for Informal Assessment:

Categories
Students
Engagement
Question Accuracy

Participation

Lessons
Understanding

Mastered Lesson
Students are on task
Questions are being
answered correctly

Many students are

participating

About 80% of the

class put thumbs up
for understanding and
not struggling with
the lesson

Lesson needs some

Revision
Some students are lost
Partial of the
questions asked in
class are answered
incorrectly
Few students are
participating, but
more can answer
questions
About 50% of the
class put thumbs up
for understanding

Reteach Lesson
Students are not
getting it
Students are
answering incorrectly

Minimum of the
students are
participating
About 80% of the
class put thumbs
down for not
understanding the
lesson

Group Activity Sheet (Doubling Pennies)

Name

Date

Instructions: Fill in the table by doubling the amount of pennies giver per day. Then solve for
n=30. Finish with a discussion about another way you could have found the formula.

Days
1
2
3
4
5

Amt. of pennies given

Total amt. of pennies

1.

Geometric Series- A geometric series is defined as having a constant ratio between consecutive
terms.
Formula for sum of Geometric Series:

sn

a1 (1r n )
1r

2. Solve for n=30 using the formula for the sum of a geometric series. Turn your answer into
dollar form.

3. Discuss another way you could have found the formula by looking at the table.