This Differentiated "Algebra in Earth Science" Project focuses on using exponential functions in the context of an Earth Science theme. This project is a perfect summation to a unit on exponential functions and helps students connect math to the real world!

There are 6 Parts:

1) Wind Chill Calculations

2) Fossil Fuel Emissions

3) Weather Forecasting

4) Newton's Law of Cooling

5) Sea Level Rise

6) Volcanic Eruptions

Allow students to work in pairs, small groups, or individually!

Answer Key Provided.

Skills Used:

-Create linear and exponential equations in 2 variables

-Construct tables & Graph linear and exponential equations in 2 variables

-Interpret key characteristics using context, when given an equation, table, graph, or verbal description including: intercepts, intervals of increase/decrease, asymptote, domain, range, rates of change, point of intersection

-Compare properties of exponential and linear functions

-Use function notation and interpret function notation in context

-Identify the effects of transformations in exponential functions

-Make scientific conclusions based on mathematical justifications

Differentiation:

This project is differentiated into 2 tiers, which makes it perfect for the inclusive classroom! Both sets have the same exact problems but the easier set has hints. The graphs on the easier set also have intervals already completed on the x and y- axes.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP2 Reason abstractly and quantitatively.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP3 Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP4 Model with mathematics.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP5 Use appropriate tools strategically.

CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP6 Attend to precision.

CCSS.HSA.CED.A.2 Create equations in two or more variables to represent relationships between quantities; graph equations on coordinate axes with labels ad scales.

CCSS.HSA.CED.A.3 Represent constraints by equations or inequalities, and by systems of equations and/or inequalities, and interpret solutions as viable or nonviable options in a modeling context.
CCSS.HSA.REI.D.11 Explain why the x-coordinates of the points where the graphs of the equations y=f(x) and y=g(x) intersect are the solutions of the equation f(x)=g(x); find the solutions approximately, e.g., using technology to graph the functions, make tables of values, or find successive approximations.
CCSS.HSF.IF.A.2 Use function notation, evaluate functions for inputs in their domains, and interpret statements that use function notation in terms of a context.
CCSS.HSF.IF.B.4 For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship.
CCSS.HSF.IF.B.5 Relate the domain of a function to its graph and, where applicable, to the quantitative relationship it describes.
CCSS.HSF.IF.B.6 Calculate and interpret the average rate of change of a function over a specified interval.
CCSS.HSF.IF.C.7 Graph functions expressed symbolically and show key features of the graph (CCSS.HSF.IF.C.7.A Graph linear functions & CCSS.HSF.IF.C.7.E Graph exponential functions)

CCSS.HSF.BF.B.3 Identify the effect on the graph of replacing f(x) by f(x)+k, k(f(x), f(kx), and f(x+k) for specific values of k.

See similar resources:

Solve Exponential Equations - Mystery Picture

Exponential Function POSTERS

Exponential Word Problems TASK CARDS

Exponential Function CARD SORT

Exponential Functions- Vocabulary Activities

Math Reading Article: "Exponential Functions in the Real World"

This topic is also covered in:

Algebra State Exam Prep: Study Guide w/ Notes and 2 Practice Tests

Algebra Warm-ups/ Bellringers/ Exit Tickets- COMMON CORE ALIGNED

Algebra Curriculum Vocabulary Bundle: Matching Card Sets & Vocabulary Puzzles

Common Core Algebra 1 Full Curriculum POSTERS

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