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Scientific Notation
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Activity Description
This activity gives students an introduction and the needed practice to reinforce classroom instruction on Scientific Notation. Students are asked to convert from standard form to scientific notation. Students who answer incorrectly are given an explanation of the correct solution and an opportunity to try again.
Preparation
- Check to be sure that the site is not blocked by your school.
- Be sure to review the topic of scientific notation and the video.
- Try some of the exercises to check the difficulty level. Students will need to be able to convert from standard form to scientific notation and vice-versa. Review if necessary.
Program Areas
- ABE: Adult Basic Education
- ASE: High School Equivalency Preparation
- ASE: High School Diploma
- CTE: Career Technical Education
Levels
- Intermediate
- High
Lesson Plan
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
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- 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.
Documents
- Conversions Between Standard Form and Scientific Notation.docx - Comprehensive Quiz on Conversions Between Standard Form and Scientific Notation
- Scientific Notation –Worksheet Student.docx - Scientific Notation Student Worksheet
- Scientific Notation –Worksheet Teacher.docx - Scientific Notation Teacher Worksheet
Subjects
- Math
- Algebra
- Pre-Algebra
- Whole Number Skills
- Mathematics
- Algebraic Concepts
- Science
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Health and Life Science
- Physical Science
- Physics
CTE Sectors
- Business and Finance
- Energy, Environment, and Utilities
- Health Science and Medical Technology
CTE Anchor Standards
- Anchor Standard 1: Academics - Analyze and apply appropriate academic standards required for successful industry sector pathway completion leading to postsecondary education and employment. Refer to the industry sector alignment matrix for identification of standards.
- Anchor Standard 11: Demonstration and Application - Demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills contained in the industry-sector anchor standards, pathway standards, and performance indicators in classroom, laboratory, and workplace settings, and the career technical student organization.
Standards
- Operations and Algebraic Thinking
- 5.OA.1-2 - Write and interpret numerical expressions.
Tags
Creative Commons License
