Year 2 Lesson Plan 2: Exponents and Scientific Notation

  1. (5 min) Mental math
    1. What is 50% of 18? [9]
    2. Multiply 12 by 3, then divide by 9 [4]
    3. Divide 32 by 18 and then multiply by 7 [14]
    4. What is 20% of 90? [18]
    5. What is 20% of 40? [8]

  2. (10 min) Exponents
    • Pass out the exponents handout and follow the discussion in it.
    • Pass out the in-class exercise, page 1, and have the students work those problems.
  3. (Remainder of class) Scientific notation
    • Pass out the scientific notation handout and follow the discussion in it.
    • Pass out the in-class exercise, page 2, and have the students work those problems.
  4. Hand out homework to students as they successfully complete the in-class exercise pages.
A resource that can be used in conjuction with this lesson is the book or video Powers of Ten by Philip Morrison and Phylis Morrison. It is also available as a video in many districts media libraries.