"Exponential Functions" is designed as a teacher-led (we-do) activity/discussion to be used after a basic introduction to the idea of exponential patterns. Function notation is used.

Part 1 - students explore two exponential graphs to find similarities and differences

Part 2 - students practice evaluating exponential function rules. (This provides practice in understanding function notation as well as practice using the exponent keys on a calculator).

Part 3 - students explore tables of exponential patterns, recognizing that you multiply by the growth/decay factor going "forward" but divide by it moving "backward" through a table. Combining with the idea that an initial value is tied to an input of 0, students use initial value and growth/decay factor to write a function rule.