Teacher's guide for Exponential growth/decay

by Kathleen Haines

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Introduction

Use this Topic Hotlist to help 10-12 algebra 2, precalculus students learn about exponential growth/decay. The goal is to get students engaging in critical thinking.

Overview

Main Topic:	exponential growth/decay
Subtopics:	internet growth, forest defoliation, earthquake intensity,
Grade Level:	10-12
Subject(s):	algebra 2, precalculus
Learning Goal:	engaging in critical thinking

Vision and Reality

If the learning goal were achieved in the most ideal of perfect worlds it would look something like:

I want my students to see how math is used and has an impact on their lives in things that effect them. From emergency management situations to the destruction of the rainforest, people really do use math. In this unit on exponents, the students will not ask when am I ever going to use this. They will actually be excited to learn math and see the possibility for other jobs. They will work together to investigate their topic and help each other out. They will work through a WebQuest looking for current info on their topic and investigate the impact their topic does have or could potentially have on their life.

However, what I anticipate probably looks more like:

Based on the Vision set for this activity, the actual reality is more likely to be students learning about how exponents influence their lives because the get a grade for it and not necessarily because they are excited to. Instead of asking when am I ever going to use this stuff they will say I can not believe we have to do all this stuff. They will be interested but I am not sure if they will have the attitude of 'NJ will never experience an earthquake' and thereby limit themselves.

The What - If Inventory

To give the activity its best chance at helping students learn, I assembled this list of possible resources:

Technology Resources

computer lab, graphing calculator, Internet access, email, exponential video, presentation programs



Internet Potential

worldwide info on topic, colloboration with professionals in career, feedback from professionals



Possible Collaborations

bringing in local speakers or emailing experts for opinions, web board with other classes, working with other classes in distance learning



Special Events

presentations to class, hours set aside to open chat on web board, China?? accident, Encyphalitis spread, Internet Act in congress, Gypsy Moths increase



General Resources




Standards

Conclusion

created by Kathleen Haines email: khaines@srsd.org,kathih22@aol.com http://www.web-and-flow.com/members/khaines/exponents/hotlist.htm