Introducing Exponents

-- a complete, free lesson on exponents --(with a collection of all the resources you need)

Grade Level: 5/6
Skills:  understanding & simplifying a basic exponential expression (b^n)
Materials: colored pencils, calculator, 1 computer with youtube access, Exponents "Doodle Note" sheet, Exponents worksheet, Exponent card sets, and "Understanding the Power of Exponents" half sheet (all free downloads)
Time: 60 min

---

1.  Start with the basics - vocabulary and concept.  Distribute the Exponents "Doodle Notes" worksheet.  Remind students that when they first learned multiplication, it was represented as repeated addition.  Now, the concept of simplifying an exponent can be represented like repeatedly multiplying.

Guide the class to complete the note sheet, and allow time for students to embellish, complete the examples, color, and answer.  (See the benefits of this format here.)

Emphasize the difference between the "base" and the "exponent" and discuss special situations, like powers of 1 and 0.  Stop after 15 minutes, as students will have more time to work through the problems and color later (or they can finish for homework).

-- 15 min --

Click the image for the free file download.

---

2.  Stations - Split your students into groups that will rotate through three learning stations.  At each station, they will practice or investigate exponents further.

Some take longer than others, so it is a perfect time for them to continue the independent portions of the note sheet at any station that they finish early.

-- 10-15 min per station --

---

Station A:

I grabbed this awesome free "Springing Into Exponents" game from Finding Joy in 6th Grade.  It is awesome for a station (or even more than one station if needed) because it can be played in different ways. 

Just tell students whether they should play as "war," "go fish," etc. (or let them choose!)

This is awesome practice with different forms of basic exponent expressions.

---

Station B:

This worksheet is a great way to help students work through understanding how all the pieces work together.

Since the bottom rows have them work backwards, it is great for critical thinking. 

I found this one as a free download from Jersey Teacher. 

Click here to get the Exponents "Missing Parts" worksheet.

---

Station C:

Put out a laptop or tablet with this youtube video open:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCFSy_JKz3g

It is quick (Just 2.5 min) and reinforces how exponents work with a quick little song and visuals. 

Also have a copy of this half sheet: "Understanding the Power of Exponents" out and ready for each student (free download).

Students should watch the video, then make a guess at the value of each expression. 

Once they have guessed, allow them to use a calculator to find the true value. 

I also like kids to write, so I recommend having your students write a quick sentence or two on the back telling whether or not they were surprised.  How close were their guesses?

Click the image to download.

---

When students finish the task at a station, they can continue working on the "doodle note" sheets until it is time to move on.

For more lesson ideas, free downloads, and updates, sign up for the Math Giraffe email list:

Check out these related posts for more ideas: