Summary
This lesson addresses rules for exponents. Students will discover the rules for exponents through an exploration of numerical expressions and visual representations of exponents. Prerequisites for this lesson include an understanding of the components of an exponent. This lesson allows students to explore digital breakouts while using rules of exponents.
Essential Question(s)
How can properties of integer exponents create expressions?
Snapshot
Engage
Students will watch a video of growing bacteria to observe the exponential growth rate of an epidemic breakout.
Explore
Students will discover rules of exponents through numerical, visual, and conjectures.
Explain
Students will clarify and create exponent rules from exploration activity.
Extend
Students will complete a digital breakout using rules of exponents.
Evaluate
Students will complete us a Muddiest Point strategy to identify information needing clarification.
Materials
Lesson Slides (attached)
Components of Exponents handout (attached)
Rules of Exponents handout (attached)
You Found the Cure!
handout (attached)
Muddiest Point Exit Ticket (attached)
Computers/Laptops or other internet-connected devices
Engage
Start the attached Lesson Slides, introducing the lesson and the Essential Question on slide 2: "How can properties of integer exponents create expressions?" Set the stage by telling students that today they will form "medical" teams to find a cure for a growing epidemic. They'll need to be successful in order to save the world!
Show slide 4 and introduce an I Notice, I Wonder strategy by asking students to make a T-chart in their notebooks. Have them label the left-hand side of the chart, "I Notice..." and the right-hand side, "I Wonder..."
Transition to slide 5. Show the 15-second bacteria video (the full URL is listed in the Resources below as well). After the video, have students fill in at least one thing they noticed in the left-hand side of their chart. Then, have the students fill in at least one thing they wonder in the right-hand side.
Lead a whole-class discussion on the students' "I Notice..." and "I Wonder..." statements. You can use slide 6 to record observations for the class to see. This will help students create a background story and visual reference to retain for the Extend storyline later in this lesson.
Explore
Pass out the attached Components of Exponents handout and move to slide 8. Group students in pairs to complete the handout.
Display slide 10. The attached Components of Exponents handout allows students to work with exponents to understand the components of a power. Students will demonstrate their knowledge through expanded notation (not using exponents), numerical notation through standard notation, and visual notation. Use slide 11 to record students’ observations about patterns they say in exponents.
After the Explain for Components of exponents, move to slide 13 and have students divide into pairs and complete the Rules of Exponents handout.
The attached Rules of Exponents handout allows students to discover the rules for operations with exponents. Following the example given, have students write numerical expressions, write a rule, and demonstrate the rule. Slides 15 through 19 break down the handout into sections that you can display to guide the discussion of each rule.
Explain
Explain for Components of Exponents:
Display slide 20 and introduce the Inverted Pyramid strategy. Have students join with another pair to discuss the exponent components they discovered. After a few minutes, have the new group of four students join another group of four to discuss the components. After another few minutes, come together for a whole-class discussion about what components or patterns the students discovered with the exponents.
Have students return to their original pairs and complete the Explore for Rules of Exponents, before moving on to the Explain for Rules of Exponents.
Explain for Rules of Exponents:
Ask students use the Inverted Pyramid strategy again. Have students join with another pair to discuss the exponent rules they discovered. After a few minutes, have the new group of four students join another group of four to discuss the rules. After another few minutes, come together for a whole-class discussion about what rules or patterns the students discovered with the exponents.
Extend
Display slide 22. Have students return to their original pairs or re-pair them if needed. Each pair will need Chromebook, iPad, computer, or another device to access the Epidemic Breakout. The weblink is also on slide 22.
Students will need to find the clues hidden in the digital breakout in order to "save the world." Each clue covers one of the exponent operations. Once a clue is completed, it will create a key to be typed in the space provided. Once all five keys are found, students will then submit the form. The form will notify the students if they entered an incorrect key. Once students have completed the breakout, distribute one attached You Found the Cure! handout to each pair. Students should enter the code, note where they found it, and explain how they solved the clue.
Evaluate
Display slide 24. Use a Muddiest Point strategy to have students complete the attached Exit Ticket. Ask your students Of everything we have learned today, what do you feel most confident about? What is "crystal clear" to you? Then ask them, What do you feel least confident about? In other words, what is your "muddiest point" from today? Give students time to think and answer both questions.
Use students' responses to evaluate their knowledge and to determine what needs to be revisited at the next opportunity.
Resources
Digital Breakouts. (n.d.). https://sites.google.com/norman.k12.ok.us/digbreakouts/digital-breakouts?authuser=2
Epidemic Outbreak. (n.d.). http://bit.ly/exponentsbreakout
Exploring Exponents. (n.d.). https://www.youcubed.org/tasks/exploring-exponents/
Izzo, D. (2007, July 29). Bacteria growth [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEwzDydciWc
K20 Center. (n.d.). Bell ringers and exit tickets. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/d9908066f654727934df7bf4f505d6f2
K20 Center. (n.d.). I notice, I wonder. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/d9908066f654727934df7bf4f507d1a7
K20 Center. (n.d.). Inverted pyramid. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/d9908066f654727934df7bf4f507a918
K20 Center. (n.d.). Muddiest point. Strategies. https://learn.k20center.ou.edu/strategy/baee4e90c5fa1a7060ca04dd8b003a81
