Eighth graders learn a compact way to write enormous and tiny numbers, as a value between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of ten, and to convert back to standard form.
Students will be able to…
Scientists work with numbers as huge as the distance to a star and as tiny as the width of an atom. How can we write such numbers without endless zeros?
Project this and answer each question about writing numbers in scientific notation — read the explanation after each one.
Tap any phase to open the teacher moves and student actions.
The distance to the Sun is about 150,000,000 km. Is there a shorter way to write that?
Students answer questions about scientific notation.
Students convert numbers to and from the form.
Students compare numbers in the notation.
Students reflect on what the exponent tells them.
Aligned to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.
Use numbers expressed as a single digit times an integer power of 10 to estimate very large or very small quantities.
Perform operations with numbers expressed in scientific notation, including problems where both forms are used.
Know and apply the properties of integer exponents to generate equivalent expressions.
Attend to precision.
Preview the three formative checks. Tap “Sample answer” to see what mastery looks like — hide them before you print for students.
Have students write five numbers in scientific notation and order them from smallest to largest, using the exponents to compare. A printable scientific-notation worksheet is in the Mathematics library.
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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.