How can you model exponential decay? Explore different situations involving exponential decay functions and decreasing linear functions by performing activities with MandM candy, popcorn kernels, and number cubes.

Concepts

exponential decay, exponential functions, linear equations

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Additional Tags

math

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Instructional Ideas

• Use this activity to introduce exponential decay after a lesson on exponential growth

Classroom Considerations

• The task assumes that students can use a graphing calculator to create a scatter plot
• A large volume of materials is necessary

Pros

• A student data collection sheet is included with the resource

Cons

• Inconsistent use of language, such as referring to each iteration as a "throw" or as a "toss"
• Data collection table indicates 200 as original number of objects in the cup, but this can be impractical for some of the objects (such as number cubes)

Common Core

HSF-LE.A.1.a MP1 MP2 MP3 MP4 MP7