As we're nearing the final weeks before the AP Exam, we love doing review activities that challenge students to think about content from the whole year. Nothing does that better than "The Last Circuit", a circuit training review activity made by the circuit master herself, Virge Cornelius! We are delighted that Virge was generous enough to share her circuit with the Calc Medic community!
If you're unfamiliar with how circuits work, fret not. It's very simple. Have students start by solving the problem in the upper left box, marked #1. Then they search for the answer in one of the other cells. Once they've found the answer, they mark that box as #2 and proceed with the problem in the box. They will continue in this manner until they end up back at the first square, thus completing the circuit. One of our favorite features of circuits is that they're self-checking. If students end up at the first square without having completed all the problems, they know they made a mistake somewhere and can go back and re-assess their work.
Ready to give it a try?
Suggestions for Using the Circuit with Students
Have students work on the circuit in pairs or small groups. You'll hear great conversations among students and engagement is always high.
The answers are written to be intentionally similar and draw out common misconceptions, so don't be nervous if most of your groups have to course-correct at some point during the circuit. This is where the real learning happens!
Have students write on whiteboards or vertical non-permanent surfaces to quickly assess the progress of various groups.
Go through the circuit on your own first! This will make you aware of places students may get stuck and get you an answer key at the same time.