Chelsea Bush

Exponential Functions and Sequences – Unit Plan

Topic: Exponential Functions and Sequences Title:_Common Ratios in the Real World

Subject: Course: Algebra 1/2 Grades: 9th and 10th

Stage1---Desired Results
Content Standards:
A1. N-Q.A.1 - Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret
units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays, include utilizing real-
world context.
A1.A-SSE.A.1 - Interpret expressions that represent a quantity in terms of its context.
a. Interpret parts of an expression, such as terms, factors, and coefficients.
b. Interpret expressions by viewing one or more of their parts as a single entity.
A1.A-CED.A.1 - Create equations and inequalities in one variable and use them to solve problems. Include problem-solving
opportunities utilizing real-world context. Focus on linear, quadratic, exponential and piecewise-defined functions (limited to
absolute value and step).
A1.A-CED.A.2 - Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities; graph equations on
coordinate axes with labels and scales.
A1.A-CED.A.4 - Rearrange formulas to highlight a quantity of interest, using the same reasoning as in solving equations.
A1.A-REI.D.10 - Understand that the graph of an equation in two variables is the set of all its solutions plotted in the coordinate
plane, often forming a curve, which could be a line.
A1.F-IF.A.2 - Evaluate a function for inputs in the domain, and interpret statements that use function notation in terms of a
context.
A1.F-IF.A.3 - Recognize that sequences are functions, sometimes defined recursively, whose domain is a subset of the integers.
A1.F-IF.B.4 - For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in
terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship. Include problem-
solving opportunities utilizing real-world context. Key features include: intercepts; intervals where the function is increasing,
decreasing, positive, or negative; relative maximums and minimums.
A1.F-IF.B.6 - Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a continuous function (presented symbolically or as a table)
on a closed interval. Estimate the rate of change from a graph. Include problem-solving opportunities utilizing real-world
context.
A1.F-IF.C.7 - Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph, by hand in simple cases and using
technology for more complicated cases.
A1.F-IF.C.9 - Compare properties of two functions each represented in a different way (algebraically, graphically, numerically
in tables, or by verbal descriptions).
A1.F-BF.A.1 - Write a function that describes a relationship between two quantities. Determine an explicit expression, a
recursive process, or steps for calculation from real-world context.
A1.F-BF.B.3 - Identify the effect on the graph of replacing f(x) by f(x) + k, k f(x), and f(x+k) for specific values of k (both
positive and negative); find the value of k given the graphs. Experiment with cases and illustrate an explanation of the effects on
the graph.
A1.F-LE.A.1 - Distinguish between situations that can be modeled with linear functions and with exponential functions. a.
Prove that linear functions grow by equal differences over equal intervals, and that exponential functions grow by equal factors
over equal intervals. b. Recognize situations in which one quantity changes at a constant rate per unit interval relative to another.
c. Recognize situations in which a quantity grows or decays by a constant percent rate per unit interval relative to another.
A1.F-LE.A.2 - Construct linear and exponential functions, including arithmetic and geometric sequences, given a graph, a
description of a relationship, or input/output pairs.
A1.F-LE.A.3 -Observe, using graphs and tables, that a quantity increasing exponentially eventually exceeds a quantity
increasing linearly or quadratically.
A1.F-LE.B.5 - Interpret the parameters in a linear or exponential function with integer exponents utilizing real world context.

Enduring Understanding/Big Idea:

-There are general rules for expressing patterns with common ratios.
-Real world situations of common ratios can be represented symbolically and graphically.

Essential Questions: Write 2- 4 questions

What provocative questions will foster inquiry, understanding and spark more questions? What questions will help
 Chelsea Bush
students develop and deepen their understandings?

What general rules can we write involving properties of exponents?

What are examples of patterns that can be expressed as common ratios?
What are real world models of exponential growth and decay?

Stage 2----Assessment Evidence

Unit (Summative) Assessment:
 Through what authentic performance task will students demonstrate the desired understanding?

Students will be given a group assessment as their summative assessment. The students will be put into heterogeneous
groups of four, created by me, and they will each be given a test to complete. This is a group test though, so it is to be
completed as a group but each individual student shows their work. I will choose one of the groups papers at random to
grade and this will be the grade for the entire group.
(I am doing it this way to promote collaborate learning and encourage peer learning/teaching.)

The test will include problems that address properties of exponents, exponential functions, real world application of
exponential growth and decay, real world application of compound interest, and geometric sequences.

Stage 3----Learning Plan

Learning Activities:
Attach a detailed planning calendar that maps out activities and lessons for a 2+ week unit. Use a variety of instructional
strategies (modeling, interactive lecture, discussion, primary document analysis, debate, simulation, graphic organizers,
student presentations, etc).
See attached calendar below for detailed list of content topic(s) to be addressed each day as well as supporting activities
that that will take place.

Resources and Materials

Copyrighted resources:
Textbook: Big Ideas Math – Algebra 1 By Ron Larson and Laurie Boswell
Properties of Exponents Foldable Notes: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Properties-of-Exponents-
Foldable-Notes-2100844
Exponential Functions Activities (Living dead, chain letter, cockroaches):
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Exponential-Functions-2266582
Intro to exponential growth and decay: https://teacher.desmos.com/activitybuilder/custom/56785f4a32228c0106c3470f
Exponents and Exponential Functions Quiz Game show: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Quiz-Show-
Game-Exponents-and-Exponential-Functions-in-a-PowerPoint-Presentation-793885
Geometric sequences Scavenger hunt: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geometric-Sequences-Scavenger-Hunt-
1644660
Exponential Functions and Sequences Game Show Review: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Alg-1-Quiz-Show-
Game-Exponential-Functions-and-Sequences-in-a-PowerPoint-2814055

Borrowed materials:
“Height of a 14-year-old boy in paper” activity: Borrowed from Math Methods professor

Teacher created resources:

Discovery of properties worksheet
Properties of exponents task cards
Properties of exponents bingo
Discovering cube roots worksheet
Finding nth roots PowerPoint and note-taker
Radicals and Rational Exponents matching game
Exponents, radicals, and rational exponents worksheet
Exponential Function PowerPoint
Exponential Growth and Decay Functions PowerPoint
 Chelsea Bush
College loans compound interest activity
Solving exponential equations PowerPoint
Solving exponential equations task cards
Solving exponential equations bingo
Discovering rules for geometric sequences inquiry worksheet
Geometric Sequences PowerPoint

Props/Materials for activities:

Cubes of all sizes
Pennies
M&Ms
White boards
Painters tape (human graphing)
Magnet Tiles
 Chelsea Bush

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

(56 mins) (56 mins) (56 mins) (56 mins) (56 mins)
January 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th
Lesson 6.1 Lesson 6.1 Lesson 6.2 Lesson 6.2 Lesson 6.3
Properties of Properties of Radicals and Rational Radicals and Rational Exponential
Exponents Exponents Exponents Exponents Functions

Worksheets: Discovery Groups activity: Groups of 3: Discovering Activity: Group Activity: Partner
of Properties Properties of cube roots activity (using matching game- exponential function
exponents task cards real cubes) and worksheet radicals and rational discovery
Activity: Properties of
exponents
Exponents foldable Lecture: Writing and
Activity: Properties of Lecture/discussion:
notes evaluating
Exponents Bingo Finding nth roots Worksheet: Exponents,
exponential functions
radicals, and rational
Homework: Reflection
exponents
15th 16th 17th 18th 19th
Lesson 6.3 Lesson 6.4 Lesson 6.4 Lesson 6.4
MLK DAY Exponential Functions Exponential Growth and Exponential Growth Exponential Growth
Decay and Decay and Decay Review
NO SCHOOL Activity: Groups,
student choice- Living Intro Activity: “Lump Lecture: Exponential Group activity:
dead, chain letter, or sum or penny every day?” Growth and Decay “Height of a 14-year-
cockroach exponential desmos activity (Growth) Functions & old boy in paper”
functions “M&M’s” desmos compound interest
activity (decay)
Homework: Reflection Activity: College loans
Discussion: Exponential compound interest
growth and decay activity
22nd 23rd 24th 25th 26th
Review 6.1-6.4 Mid-unit assessment Lesson 6.5 Lesson 6.5 Lesson 6.6
Solving exponential Solving exponential Geometric Sequences
Exponents and Formative assessment:
equations equations
Exponential Functions Students create the Group Activity:
Quiz Game show using questions that are in a Lecture/discussion: Activity: Solving Discovering rules for
white boards review game / on a test Solving exponential exponential equations geometric sequences
equations PowerPoint bingo inquiry worksheet
Activity: solving Activity: Human
Group Activity:
exponential equations graphing of
Geometric sequences
task cards exponential equations
with magnet tiles
Homework: Reflection
29th 30th 31st February 1st 2nd
Lesson 6.6 Review Review Summative
Geometric Sequences Assessment
Exponential Functions Exponential Functions
Lecture: Geometric and Sequences Escape and Sequences Game Test in groups
sequences PowerPoint the Room game Show Review using white
Activity: Geometric boards
sequences Scavenger
hunt Early Release Day