The Power of Exponentials, Big and Small - MIT Blossoms

Exponential growth is keenly applicable to a variety of different fields ranging from cell growth in biology, nuclear chain reactions in physics to computational complexity in computer science. In this video-based lesson, through various examples and activities, we have tried to compare exponential growth to polynomial growth and to develop an insight about how quickly the number can grow or decay in exponentials. A basic knowledge of scientific notation, plotting graphs and finding intersection of two functions is assumed. It would be better if the students have done pre-calculus, though this is not a requirement. The lesson is about 20 minutes, interspersed with simple activities that can require up to half an hour.

The webpage for this video also includes tabs where additional resources and information can be found. These include a Teacher's Guide, a Powers of 2 table, links to other helpful lessons and resources, a transcript of the video, and even an option to download the video.
Resource ID#: 28034 Type: Lesson Plan
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Direct Link: http://blossoms.mit.edu/videos/lessons/power_exponentials_big_and_small

General Information

Subject(s): Mathematics
Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12
Intended Audience: Educators educators
Suggested Technology: Computer for Presenter, Internet Connection, LCD Projector, Adobe Flash Player, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Office
Instructional Time: 50 Minute(s)
Keywords: exponential growth, decay, functions
Instructional Component Type(s): Lesson Plan,  Problem-Solving Task,  Video/Audio/Animation
Instructional Design Framework(s): Structured Inquiry (Level 2)
Resource Collection: MIT BLOSSOMS

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