Writing Numerical Expressions with Exponents Lesson Plan

Introduction

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As a hook, ask students why writing numerical expressions is important in real-life situations.

Use the first page of the guided notes to introduce the concept of writing numerical expressions using keywords for addition and subtraction. Walk through the key points of identifying keywords that signals specific operations (i.e. sum, difference, product, quotient, etc) and translating them into numerical expressions. Students will be filling in keywords on the guided notes while you teach.

Use the second page of the guided notes to practice translating between verbal phrase and expressions. There are multiple sections on the page to allow for students to apply the keywords they've just learned about on page 1.

Use the third page of the guided notes to introduce writing numerical expressions with whole-number exponents. Walk through the key points of understanding exponents, keywords (i.e. squared, cubes) and incorporating them into numerical expressions.

Based on student responses during the introduction, reteach concepts that students need extra help with. If your class has a wide range of proficiency levels, you can pull out students for reteaching, and have more advanced students begin working on the practice exercises.

Practice

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Have students practice writing numerical expressions using the practice worksheet provided in the resource(pg. 2-3) as well as the maze activity (pg. 4). Walk around to answer student questions.

Fast finishers can dive into the color by number activity (pg. 5) for extra practice. You can alternatively assign it as homework for the remainder of the class.

Real-Life Application

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Using the last page of the guided notes (pg. 6), bring the class back together, and introduce the concept of writing and using numerical expressions in real-life scenarios, such as calculating expenses for a school trip or modeling the cost of running a small business.

Students read about scenarios where writing numerical expressions can be helpful in real life as well as complete a short self assessment on the mastery of this math topic.

Additional Self-Checking Digital Practice

If you’re looking for digital practice for writing numerical expressions, try my Pixel Art activities in Google Sheets. Every answer is automatically checked, and correct answers unlock parts of a mystery picture. It’s incredibly fun, and a powerful tool for differentiation.

Here’s one activity to explore:

• Writing Numerical Expressions from Verbal Phrase Digital Pixel Art

Additional Print Practice

A fun, no-prep way to practice writing numerical expressions is Doodle Math — they’re a fresh take on color by number or color by code. It includes multiple levels levels of practice, perfect for a review day or sub plan.

Here are 1 activities to try:

• Write & Interpret Numerical Expressions | Doodle Math: Twist on Color by Number