Authentic Lessons for 21st Century Learning

Can You Save the World in Time?

Exponent Rules: Digital Breakout

Amber Stokes | Published: May 25th, 2022 by K20 Center

  • Grade Level Grade Level 8th
  • Subject Subject Mathematics
  • Course Course Middle School Mathematics
  • Time Frame Time Frame 2-3 class period(s)
  • Duration More 90 minutes

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 that 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 two: "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 five. 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 six to jot record observations for the class to see. This will help with creating a background story and visual reference for students to retain for the Extend storyline later in this lesson.

Explore

Pass out the attached Components of Exponents handout. 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 visually.

After the Explain for Components of exponents, have students 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, students will 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 as you feel is needed. Each pair will need Chromebook, iPad, computer, or another device to access the Epidemic Breakout. The full URL for the website can be found in the resources below and in the slide show.

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 how they solved for 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 during the next instructional opportunity.

Resources