Scientific Notation

As pairs answer the question: Where have you seen really big or really small numbers?

examples: distances in space, populations, microscopic organisms

As a class share answers.

Discuss: why might scientists or engineers use a special way to write these numbers?

Define scientific notation: A way of writing very large or very small numbers using powers of 10.
Show examples on the board:

3,000,000 = 3 x 10^6
0.00045 = 4.5 x 10^-4
Explain briefly why it’s used (convenience, clarity, error reduction).

Turn to your partner and discuss why this might be convenient or easer to understand. Share with the class

Watch the video Math Antics - Scientific Notation This video is 14:28 minutes. Watch the video as a class. Ask students for questions. Learners can rewatch the video in sections to review

Show how to convert from standard form to scientific notation:

Move the decimal → Count how many places → Determine if exponent is positive or negative.
Show how to convert from scientific notation to standard form:

Multiply the number by 10 raised to the power.
Provide 2–3 guided examples with class participation.

Hand out the Document Conversions Between Standard Form and Scientific Notation. In pairs learners convert the numbers. Learners can check their answers. Learners can rewatch the video to review.

Gather the class to go over any questions from the worksheet

Hand out the Scientific Notation Worksheet Student. You can use this as a quiz, or a second practice. The  Worksheet Teacher has the answers.

After the learners have completed the worksheet, call pairs up to do the problems on the board. Discuss any problems.

 Real-Life Problem Solving

• • Learners bring real-life problems that require the use of scientific notation (e.g., comparing sizes of planets, computing very large or small quantities) to class for more inclass practice and application. Gather the problems, have learners work in pairs then share with the class.
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