'Ratio and proportion' tutor notes

The aim of the ratio and proportion topic area is to remind learners about simple ratio and direct proportion.

Students may find it useful to look at the Written division and Written multiplication sections before starting this module.

Please let us know what you think of the factsheets, worksheets and quiz at skillswise.feedback@bbc.co.uk

How does this tie in with the new curriculums?

• England N1/L1.7 - Work out simple ratio and direct proportion.
• Wales
  As England.
• Northern Ireland
  As England.
• Scotland
  See www.aloscotland.com for details of the Scottish curriculum.

In the Skillswise module you'll find:

Ratio and proportion factsheets
An introduction to ratio and proportion, with examples, on six 'print-out-and-keep' sheets.
You'll find curriculum references in the bottom left hand corner of the factsheets.

• Factsheet 1 - What is ratio?
• Factsheet 2 - Understanding direct proportion.
• Factsheet 3 - Using direct proportion.
• Factsheet 4 - Simplifying ratios.
• Factsheet 5 - Tips for ratio and proportion sums.
• Factsheet 6 - Key words for ratio and proportion.

Ratio and proportion activity
In a short video DIY expert Craig Phillips (from BBC Housecall) shares his tips for using ratio. He has created a screen painted with different hues of blue paint. He explains how he mixed different ratios of blue and white paint to create the different looks.
Do you have any ideas of how we could develop video material on the site? Do you use video clips in class? Send us your thoughts at skillswise.feedback@bbc.co.uk

Ratio and proportion game
This is a simple game in two parts. In the first part you have to write down the ratio of red to black 'marbles' shown on the screen. In teh second part you are given a ratio and have to say how many marbles are needed.

Ratio and proportion quiz
The learner can choose their level. Level 1 is the easiest, level 3 the hardest.
Students can print out a certificate if they score 50% or more in the quiz. This will appear as a link on the results page - click on the link and the certificate will appear in a new window. Once printed students can write their name on the certificate.

Ratio and proportion worksheets
These are extra, printable resources to carry on the work learners have done online. There are four ratio worksheets. You'll find curriculum references in the top right hand corner of the worksheet.

• Worksheet 1 - Writing ratios as fractions.
• Worksheet 2 - Sharing out prize money.
• Worksheet 3 - Scaling quantities up and down.
• Worksheet 4 - Checking for direct proportion using prices.
• Worksheet 5 - Harder questions on using ratio and proportion.

Technical help:

To get the most out of this topic area you need the following 'plug-ins':

• Flash
  The game in this module uses the Flash browser plug-in. This is free to download and should only take a few minutes. You can follow the BBC WebWise instructions to download it to your machine.
  Find out more.
  If you don't have Flash the same learning points are covered in the quiz and in the worksheets and factsheets.
• Realplayer
  The activity in this topic section uses Realplayer. This is software that allows you to view and hear the video clips. Realplayer is free to download and should only take a few minutes. You can follow the BBC WebWise instructions to download it to your machine.
  Find out more

If you are new to the web, why not try the BBC WebWise online course, Becoming WebWise? It's free, you can do it in your own time from any computer and it will take you through everything you need to know to use the web successfully in your teaching.
Find out more about WebWise.

You can find out more about the technical requirements for Skillswise in our Help - Technical Information section.

Taking it further:

Here's a few suggestions of other resources on the web that you might find useful for teaching ratio.

• Ratio GCSE revision
  Though aimed at GCSE learners this site contains useful questions and answers on direct proportion, simplifying ratios, using ratios and dividing in a ratio. Learners can also take a test.
• Cooking for a party
  Click on 'find a recipe' to select one that serves two or more people. Tell students they will be cooking a large meal for a party and so will need to change the quantities of the ingredients. Ask them to increase quantities using direct proportion and write a new shopping list.

Do you know of any great online resources for practising ratio and proportion? Tell us about them!

Don't forget to visit Lesson plans and Teaching inspirations for more ideas for teaching ratio and proportion.