Would you rather have a million dollars or 1 x 10^6 dollars? To find the answer to this question, class members first complete an assessment task converting numbers between decimal notation and scientific notation. They then take...

Young mathematicians learn how scientific notation is meant to save time. Part 10, out of a series of 15, asks scholars to recognize the correct use of scientific notation and finish by adding and subtracting numbers using...

Here is really nice set of resources on scientific notation. Eighth and ninth graders explore the concept of multiplying and dividing in scientific notation. In this multiplying and dividing numbers in scientific notation...

How many times could California fit into the entire United States? Pupils use scientific notation to find the answer to that question in the 12th installment of 15 lessons. It asks scholars to write numbers in scientific notation and...

Examine numbers in scientific notation as a comparison of size. The 14th lesson in the series asks learners to rewrite numbers as the same power of 10 in scientific notation to make comparisons. Pupils also learn how to use a calculator...

Demonstrate the use of scientific notation within word problems. The lesson presents problems with large numbers best represented with scientific notation. Pupils use these numbers to solve the problems in the 11th installment in a...

Explore the conversion of numbers to scientific notation and back again. Learners begin with a matching activity to identify equivalent expressions. Then guiding questions test and extend their understanding.

Connect scientific notation to a real-life situation. Measuring distances in our solar system require large numbers. As pupils make conversions using these large numbers, they begin to see the necessity of scientific notation. They...

Apply the concept of magnitude to estimate values and compare numbers. The ninth lesson of the 15-part series asks learners to write numbers to their next greatest power of 10 and then make comparisons. Scholars begin to understand the...

Explore using units with scientific notation to communicate numbers effectively. Individuals choose appropriate units to express numbers in a real-life situation. In this 13th lesson of 15, participants convert numbers in scientific...

Middle schoolers explore the concept of expressing numbers in scientific notation. In this scientific notation lesson, students understand the importance of using scientific notation by finding real world examples where scientific...

Students calculate the distance of two objects, and rewrite numbers using scientific notation. In this algebra lesson, students solve linear equations and plug the values back into the equations to check their answers. They write small...

The sun's diameter is 864,337 miles—challenge learners to create a scale model of the solar system that fits in your classroom. Scholars make conversions and work with scientific notation as they create the scale model. 

Double click that mouse because you just found an amazing lesson! This cross-curricular Ornithology lesson incorporates literature, writing, reading informational text, data collection, scientific inquiry, Internet research, art, and...

Even though pennies seem to be relatively thin, stack enough of them into a single stack, and you could have quite a high stack. Enough so, that the final result can be a surprise to you as well as your class. This activity centers...

Students explore scientific notation and the structure of the metric system.  In this middle school mathematics lesson plan, students read How Much is a Million? by David M. Schwartz to introduce students to the need for scientific...

Build an understanding of the powers of 10. Pupils investigate the results of raising 10 to positive and negative powers. They relate this understanding to the magnitude these powers represent in this seventh lesson of 15.

It's hard to envision what 39 billion plastic bottles look like. Brita claims that the US uses that number of plastic bottles each year! If that's not enough to get your attention, figure out how many times 39 billion water bottles can...

Assess your young mathematicians' knowledge and understanding of the properties of exponents. The questions in the seventh lesson of 15 incorporate the properties learned in the first six modules of this series. Individuals use and apply...

Students calculate the distance in light years. In this geometry lesson, students solve problems involving distance, using the distance formula. They rewrite big numbers using scientific notations and apply their knowledge of everyday...

Students apply estimation strategies and proportional reasoning to determine a scale comparing the planetary bodies to Earth. They convert measurements of time and distance using scientific notation. Both the metric and customary units...

Students examine the differences in exponential growth and linear growth of a system. They interpret data on graphs and develop their own charts. They answer discussion questions as well.

Does the number of calories you eat affect the total time you sleep? Young mathematicians tackle this question by collecting their own data and making comparisons between others in the class through building scatter plots and regression...

Learners construct a model of an electromagnetic spectrum using play-doh and string. They use exponents and plot the radio/microwave, infrared, and visible bandwidths of the spectrum.