Activities for Exponents
As students advance in their math education, they are confronted by the challenge of exponents. Exponents, while at first intimidating, are really quite simple once students learn the basic rules of the mathematical notation method. This shorthand method of writing out long strings of multiplication is truly not as challenging as it first appears to students. Teachers can ensure their students' learning of exponents is speedy and enjoyable by integrating exponent games into their lessons. These games allow students to work together to cement their understanding of this mathematical concept.
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Write-Out Race
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Help students understand how to write out exponent strings in long form through the completion of this easy, fast-paced game. Before class, write out a list of exponents to use during the game. Use exponents that are at your students' current level.
Once students arrive in class, divide them into two teams. Ask one team to sit on the left side of the classroom and the other to sit on the right side. Draw a line down the chalkboard, dividing it in half. Then ask one member of each team to come to the board. Tell the class you are going to read off a number in exponent notation and they have to write it in long form as quickly as they can. For example, if you said five to the fifth power, they would need to write (5)(5)(5)(5)(5) as quickly as they can. Once the student has finished writing the answer, he needs to set the chalk down to indicate that he is done. The first person to complete the task, wins a point for his team.
Continue in this fashion, calling one member of each team up at a time, until you have gone through all of your listed exponents. The team with the most points at the end of the gamewins.
Pick the Exponent
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Students are asked to determine what exponent would produce the given answer in this game. To prepare, type up a list of exponent problems with the exponent missing. Include the base number and the answer only, placing an X or a question mark where the exponent would normally go. For example, write three to the X power equals nine. Print these problems onto an overhead transparency, or save them in Word so you can project them onto the wall using an overhead or LCD projector.
Once students arrive in class, divide them into two teams. Seat the teams on opposite side of the classroom. Ask one member of each team to come up the board. Explain to students that you are going to put up a problem that is missing the exponent. The students at the board must search their memory and determine what number should be in the exponent position, then write that number on the board. Once they have written their number, they should set down their chalk to indicate that they are done. The first student to set down his chalk after writing the correct number wins a point for his team.
Move through all of the problems, calling new members of each team to the board after the completion of each problem. The team with the most points after you have gone through all of the problems wins the game.
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Exponent Match-up
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Students match exponents with answers in this sorting game. Prepare for this game by typing up exponents in large font. Then type the answers to each exponent problem. Print out your exponents and answers on card stock and cut them down into equal size cards. Create four identical sets of exponent problems and matching answers. Place each set in an envelope or bag.
Once students arrive in class, divide them into four teams. Explain to the students that you are going to give each team a set of exponents and matching answers. Their job is to match the exponents with the corresponding answers. Once they have completed the match-up, they need to raise their hands and you will check their answers. The first team to successfully complete the match-up wins the game.
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