Education Technology


Exponent Game

Activity Overview

Students compare powers and decide whether to add or subtract values to a cumulative total so that the total stays as close to zero as possible.

Before the Activity

  • Compute AB and BA (where A and B are two random numbers), and compare the results
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 89 - 93 from the attached Student PDF file for the class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to the class.
    Follow the activity procedures:

  • Play an Exponent Game (for 2 players) where the Player A generates numbers using the spinner
  • Player A uses the generated numbers to compute either AB or BA
  • Player adds or subtracts one of the values to his/her cumulative total
  • Player B adds the other value to his/her total
  • Players reverse roles and continue the game
  • Find the cumulative total for each player at the end of six rounds
  • Fill in the Recording Forms for both players
  • Winner of the game is the player whose cumulative total is closer to zero at the end of six rounds
  • After the Activity

    Students complete the Activity pages.

  • Review student results
  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary