Activity

Exponential Growth and Decay

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Exponential Growth and Decay activity also includes:

How can you safely model exponential growth and decay? A hands-on activity uses candies to model not only exponential decay, but also exponential growth. Exponential equations are fitted by hand and by use of a calculator to the data collected. Groups use discussion questions after the activity to interpret the parameters of the exponential equations.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Survey your class to see if they can think of other real-world examples of exponential growth and decay
  • Encourage groups to share their findings with the group in an informal presentation
Classroom Considerations
  • Lesson requires M&Ms or another type of candy that contains a mark on one side and not the other
  • Each individual will need a cup to hold candies, and a paper plate or napkin on which to dump candies
  • Learners will need a calculator with exponential regression capabilities
Pros
  • Provides directions to calculate the exponential regression either by hand or using a calculator
  • Provides instructions to interpret the results of those calculations
Cons
  • No sample solutions provided