Delta Math and Multiplying Exponents

This lesson is meant as another opportunity to challenge students and assess how they are doing with current 8th grade standards. My students completed a similar lesson on Adding Exponents a few days ago. I start off by reviewing a string that exposes students to some challenging expressions that cane be analyzed and simplified using the properties of exponents. 

String:

(2^2)^3

(2^3)^2

(2^4)^2

(2^2)^4

2^6

2^8

(2^2 * 3^2)^2

(2^4 * 3^4)

The string starts with four problems that directly relate to the 8th grade standards and show that x^ab = x ^ba. This helps students understand the exponent powers are commutative. As the string develops, it progresses to (2^2 * 3^2)^2. When students compare this to 2^4 * 3^4 and see how they can multiply and "distribute" the exponent to all the exponents in the parenthesis. This is a necessary step to understand the Algebra 1 problems like (2x^2y^3)^2.

After students complete the string, we talk about these types of algebra problems and how they connect to the expressions in the string. I then give students a key choice. They can use this time to review content that we have already covered or they can take on the Delta Math challenge and try these Algebra 1 exponent problems. 

If students choose to practice more 8th grade problems, I print out worksheets from sites like Kuta Software: http://www.kutasoftware.com/freeipa.html

If students decide to take on the challenge, I give them a laptop and have them log into Delta Math (completely free): http://www.deltamath.com

My goal is to have students attempt a challenge beyond our standard curriculum. Delta Math is a great way to differentiate up and accomplish this goal. I like to customize it so that students can attempt to get at least 5 problems correct. There are unlimited examples and I track and share progress with the class. 

Problems look a bit like this: Multiplying Exponents

It is a wonderful activity and a great opportunity to introduce choice into your lessons. Here students can choose this challenge. I am always amazed by the level of honesty that can be accomplished in a successful classroom. If students are ready to move to the next level, they almost always go for it. No one who is able to do the tough work says, "I am going to take it easy and review stuff that I already know." Instead, students who need real support sit together and review content that we already covered (I allow students to arrange themselves in groups for these types of activities)