SECTION #1: Overview

Why this lesson is awesome:

This lesson serves as a “Battleship” review of real number exponents (both irrational and rational) as well as solving exponential equations. Students engage in battle while trying to sink a partner’s fleet of answers!

Objective:

The last several lessons have thrown a lot of conceptual-level exponential properties and functions at the students. This lesson, however, will strive to give the students a more focused opportunity to review the mathematical properties and strategies that we have covered in the unit so far. The day also concludes with a short checkpoint quiz, which assesses student growth and current areas of weakness.

Mathematical Practice Standards:

MP.3: Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others

MP.6: Attend to precision

Extensions and Scaffolds:

Scaffolding can be readily provided throughout the period as the teacher rotates the room to answer questions. The students will also support each other (those who share the same boards) in their mission to sink all of the other person’s ships.

Environment for this lesson:

The goal of this lesson is to fine-tune the algebraic skills that we have recently spent a great deal of time emphasizing at the conceptual level. Skill building and attention to detail are important in mathematics, and this activity will allow the students the time to practice this at their own pace – and competitively.

It is important that the desks are set up such that the students can face each other – and a divider must also be built in between these desks (I usually just use a folder) so that the students cannot see each other’s papers.

Optional Suggestion: I found it to be very helpful to foster an atmosphere of collaboration in this activity. To achieve this, I made certain that the desks were not only facing each other, but also lined up in a way such that students could collaborate with peers on same side of the table. That is, although students work individually, each side solves the same problems for their shots at the opponent - who sits on the other side of the table. This allows the students to offer each other support when I am helping students in another area of the classroom.

Tools/Technology/Software:

I found it very helpful to use my IPAD and AppleTV to show the students how to put ships on their paper, and well as to direct their attention to specific problems for instruction. All you have to do is take a picture of the Battleship papers and you are ready to go!

Supply Needs:

1) markers or colored pencils (2 per person)

2) colored copy paper (4 different colors)

SECTION #2: This Means War!

Indicated Time Allotment: 4 minutes

Section Narrative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3B4wIj2oh0

Resources: “My Fleet Alpha Version” “My Fleet Beta Version”

SECTION #3: The Battle!

Indicated Time Allotment: 31 minutes

Section Narrative: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdYLwL5lvY4

Resources: “My Shots Alpha Version” “My Shots Beta Version”

SECTION #4: Keeping the Peace – Quiz!

Indicated Time Allotment: 10 minutes

Although the class thus far has been full of collaboration and competitiveness, it is important to assess student progress and growth. For this reason, I end the class period with a very brief quiz. It verifies to me that we are ready to move deeper into our study of exponentials!

Resources: Exit Quiz

NOTE: I have also included blank Battleship templates so that you can create your own if you do not wish to use mine. Enjoy!