Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Exponents

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

7, 8

Overview

In this free interactive math learning activity from Math is Fun, students learn to gain an understanding of exponents as repeated multiplication by “playing” with an interactive exponent tool.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

    Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 7

    MA19.7.14

    Define and develop a probability model, including models that may or may not be uniform, where uniform models assign equal probability to all outcomes and non-uniform models involve events that are not equally likely.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:MA19.7.14

    Vocabulary

    • Probability model
    • Uniform model
    • non-uniform model
    • observed frequencies

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • the probability of any single event can be expressed using terminology like impossible, unlikely, likely, or certain or as a number between 0 and 1, inclusive, with numbers closer to 1 indicating greater likelihood.
    • A probability model is a visual display of the sample space and each corresponding probability
    • probability models can be used to find the probability of events.
    • A uniform probability model has equally likely probabilities.
    • Sample space and related probabilities should be used to determine an appropriate probability model for a random circumstance.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • make predictions before conducting probability experiments, run trials of the experiment, and refine their conjectures as they run additional trials.
    • Collect data on the chance process that produces an event.
    • Use a developed probability model to find probabilities of events.
    • Compare probabilities from a model to observed frequencies
    • Develop a probability model (which may not be uniform) by observing frequencies in data generated from a chance process.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • long-run frequencies tend to approximate theoretical probability.
    • predictions are reasonable estimates and not exact measures.
    Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 8

    MA19.8.3

    Develop and apply properties of integer exponents to generate equivalent numerical and algebraic expressions.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:MA19.8.3

    Vocabulary

    • Integer Exponent

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • that whole number exponents indicate repeated multiplication of the base number and that these exponents indicate the actual number of factors being produced.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • Develop integer exponent operations in order to generate equivalent expressions through addition, multiplication, division and raising a power by another power with expressions containing integer exponents.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • just as whole number exponents represent repeated multiplication, negative integer exponents represent repeated division by the base number.
    • The exponent can be translated (visually, listing out the factors) to represent the exact number of factors being repeated so that the use of integer exponent operations ("rules") can be proven/make sense.

    Phase

    During/Explore/Explain
    Learning Objectives

    Learning Objectives

    Students will be able to use their understanding of exponents as repeated multiplication to develop equivalent expressions and justify integer exponent properties.

    Activity Details

    Provide the students with a link to the website Exponents from Math is Fun. The class will begin by reading the webpage aloud together from the website. Stop at the Try This section and give the students time to “play” with the interactive by entering numbers of their choice as the base and the exponent. The interactive will generate the solution almost immediately as both the base and exponent are entered. Have the students write an equation as repeated addition, solve, and compare.

    Continue scrolling down and reading the webpage aloud with the students while working the examples given. Stop at the section, “What if the exponent is 1, or 0?” Have the students go back up to the interactive and enter any number as the base but enter a 1 as the exponent. What happened? 

    Now, have the students enter any number as the base, but enter a 0 as the exponent. What happened? 

    Continue scrolling down and reading the webpage aloud with the students while working the rest of the examples. Stop at the YOOO TOOO assessment section and have the students complete this ten-question quiz. 

    Assessment Strategies

    Assessment Strategies

    The ten questions in the section titled YOOO TOOO will be used as an assessment tool to check for mastery of the standard.

    Variation Tips

    Students who are struggling may need to be paired with stronger students.

    This learning activity can be completed as a whole class activity or as an independent activity.

    Background and Preparation

    Background / Preparation

    The teacher and students will need internet-connected devices.

    Digital Tools / Resources

    ALSDE LOGO