First of all, you are to prepare a background paper on your overall topic, briefly outlining the key ideas and the sequence of learning from Foundation Year to Year 7, but focused on ‘locating' your particular sub-topic and learning objectives within it. You should highlight the key idea that your sub-topic and learning objective addresses, and the prior knowledge the students would need, so that they are able to understand it.

1. Interior angle sum of polygons, including developing the general rule) Your individual background paper should demonstrate your understanding of the approaches and issues for teaching and learning the topic in general, and your sub-topic and learning objective in particular. The background paper should demonstrate your understanding of the way in which mathematical ideas are developed with primary school children, and show evidence of your wide reading and research on the topic.

It should be well-written and properly referenced. The specific focus of your Background paper and how it fits into the overall topic should be made clear. It should be consistent with the group's presentation.

The content of your Background paper should: discuss the key mathematical ideas for the topic using appropriate mathematical language and representations, discuss the recommended learning sequence for the topic (from references) and expected progression points (AusVELS), discuss the important issues for the topic (such as prior knowledge, common misconceptions or difficulties), state the learning objective you targeted for your sub-topic, and the exemplary learning activity you chose to help students achieve it provide a justification for this exemplary learning activity you chose to help your students achieve the learning objective provide a response to the question: ‘What would you do in the next lesson?' include a reference list MARKING CRITERIA The background paper:

Identifies & explains the key mathematical ideas & skills for the topic and discusses the recommended learning sequence and makes clear links to relevant curriculum documents, and discusses important issues for the topic including common misconception and difficulties provides a clear learning objective for your sub-topic provides a clear justification for the learning activity chosen to achieve the learning objective provides a valid outline of the next lesson in the learning sequence for the topic