Looking for an Exponential Expression Activity?

Representing expressions in a variety of ways is an important skill as students develop their understanding of how to use exponents with numbers. Teach Starter has created a match-up activity to help students recognize expressions with exponents and expanded expressions written in a variety of ways.

The cards should be cut apart and laminated ahead of time if possible. Students start by looking at cards 1-12 which show exponential expressions. They will find the corresponding cards showing the expanded expression and the solution to the expression. Students can record their matches on the sheet provided.

This resource aims to provide an engaging way to practice solving numerical expressions involving exponents.

Tips for Differentiation + Scaffolding 

A team of dedicated, experienced educators created this resource to support your math lessons. 

In addition to individual student work time, use this match-up activity to enhance learning through guided math groups or whole class lessons

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts: 

🆘 Support Struggling Students

To support students, provide completed examples reminding students how exponential expressions work. Work one-on-one or with peer tutors, and allow calculator use to check their work.

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

For students needing a challenge, try laying the cards face down to make a memory match game using cards 1-24 only. Another possible extension would be to have students create their own matching sets. An error analysis task could be made by mixing up a few of the matches and asking students to determine which sets are incorrect.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. A recording sheet and answer key are also included with this download. 

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Sustainability Tip: Print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can record their answers with a whiteboard marker, then erase and reuse them.  

This resource was created by Lorin Davies, a teacher in Texas and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:  

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