For Parent
Introduction to Scientific Notation
Scientific notation is a mathematical way to represent very large or very small numbers. This form of notation is especially helpful when working with large or small numbers that have many digits.
Understanding the Equation
The basic equation for scientific notation is written as a*10^b where a is a number between 1 and 10 and b is an integer that can either be positive or negative.
Issues with Dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism
For someone who is 14 years old who has dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, understanding scientific notation can be a challenging task. Here are five potential issues they may face and ways that a parent can help them to overcome them:
Memory Loss
People with disabilities may find it difficult to remember equations, terms and concepts related to scientific notation. A parent can help their child by using mnemonics to help them remember.
Confusion with the Numbers
The child may have difficulty understanding how the numbers relate to the equation of scientific notation. To help them with this issue, a parent can use visuals, such as charts and diagrams, to help explain the relationships between the numbers and their meaning.
Difficulty Visualizing The Concept
The student may have difficulty visualizing the concept of scientific notation. A parent can assist their child in this by having them create an analog version of the equation, such as a drawing or a model, which will make it easier for them to understand.
Difficulty Understanding Directions
The student may have difficulty following directions, which can be an issue when trying to learn scientific notation. To help, a parent can break down the directions into smaller, simpler steps and have their child practice one step at a time.
Difficulty Processing Information
When a student has difficulty processing and retaining information, scientific notation can be difficult to understand. To help, a parent can create a checklist of the steps needed to understand the equation and have the child go through the steps slowly and thoroughly.
Best Practices for Helping the Student
To best help a student who has dyslexia, ADHD, and autism to learn scientific notation, a parent should employ these five best practices:
Start with the Basics
It is important for the student to understand basic math concepts before trying to understand scientific notation.
Generate Interest
The more interesting the material is for the student, the more likely they are to understand and retain it. A parent can try to make the topic more interesting by providing examples, having the student complete puzzles or activities related to the topic and making a fun game out of it.
Provide Visuals
Using visuals such as diagrams, pictures, and videos can help the student better understand the material.
Provide Praise and Support
It is important to provide positive reinforcement and show support for the student. Congratulate them for their hard work and for their successes.
Utilize Resources
There are many resources available such as educational websites, apps and videos that can help the student to learn scientific notation.
Equation: a*10^b
Scientific notation is a mathematical way to represent very large or very small numbers. It is expressed as a*10^b, where a is a number between 1 and 10 and b is an integer that can be positive or negative. Difficulties with dyslexia, ADHD and autism can be an issue when trying to understand scientific notation, but with the use of mnemonics, visuals, breakdowns of directions and encouragement, a 14 year old will be able to understand the concept.
For Youth
Hey there, so you’re having some difficulty understanding Scientific Notation? It doesn’t have to be hard if you just take it one step at a time. So first of all, it’s just a way of writing numbers that are really big or really small in an easier way than writing out lots of zeroes. For example, when you write 1500 you can also write it as 1.5 x 10⁴. This is scientific notation.
The first number is called the coefficient and the second is the power of 10. All you have to do is multiply the coefficient by how ever many powers of 10 that are in the power of 10. So for example, if the power of 10 is 5, you would just multiply the coefficient by 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 (10 to the power of 5).
I know that trying to understand scientific notation when you have Dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism can be hard, so here is some advice for you. Whenever you see a scientific notation, first look at the power of 10 and then focus on the coefficient. You will find that it’s much easier to understand if you focus on one thing at a time. Also, try to make it more visual. If you have a way of seeing the numbers as shapes or diagrams it may be easier to make sense of them.
Good luck, and don’t give up! You can do this!
