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.

Concepts

exponential decay, exponential growth, exponential regression, exponential models

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

math

Show More Show Less

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

Common Core

HSF-BF.A.1.a HSF-LE.A.1.c HSF-LE.A.2 HSF-LE.B.5 MP4 MP5