Sixth graders explore exponents, the shorthand for repeated multiplication, learning the base and exponent, squares and cubes, and how to read and evaluate a power.
Students will be able to…
Writing 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 is a lot. How do exponents capture repeated multiplication in a compact way?
Project this and open each card to explore exponents, from the base and exponent to squares and cubes.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
Writing 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 is a lot. Mathematicians found a shorter way to write repeated multiplication. What is it?
Students explore exponents.
Students expand and compute a power.
Students build a squares-and-cubes chart.
Students reflect on exponents.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
Write and evaluate numerical expressions involving whole-number exponents.
Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers.
Explain patterns in the number of zeros using whole-number exponents of 10.
Look for and make use of structure.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students list the numbers 1 to 10, write each one squared, and cube a few, so the pattern of powers becomes something they can see. A printable exponents worksheet is in the Mathematics library.
Tap a card to flip it, then rate whether you knew it. Built from this lesson’s vocabulary.
A quick self-check with instant feedback, drawn from this lesson’s key terms.
A print-and-go review sheet with a built-in answer key. Tap “Show answer key” to reveal answers, or print the clean version for students.