Exponential Functions Card Sort()

October 19, 2016


I made a card sort for an Integrated 1 teacher for the features of exponential functions.

It focused on:

• equation
• graph
• table
• a value (principal)
• b value (rate)
• y-intercept
• domain and range

She removed one card from each function, each a difference representation, so students could create the missing card.

 This was a group of repeating 10-12th graders at a low socioeconomic status (Title 1) school.

The stage has been set.

Students had difficulty getting started but with some well placed questioning, they got the hang of it. They used academic language to discuss whether two cards went together and would either agree or justify their disagreement. Overall, an extremely rewarding lesson. 

What I learned from the teacher were some ideas on managing the card sort atmosphere. She had two creative features that helped her manage who needed help as well as what had been accomplished. 

Asking for help. Rather than having students out of their seats or sitting with their hands up for hours, she gave them this basic cube tower.

Green- "Done!"
Sideways- "Still working"

 Red-"SOS"

This simple, nonverbal cue lets the teacher know what to expect when she walks by questioning.

Accountability. She took a picture of the answer key. Then each table per period had a copy. As she walked around questioning, she checked off when they had an accurate match. This is a quick easy way to check work AND keep track of misconceptions as evidence for further teaching or moving on.

Remember...

1. What is it we expect our students will learn?
2. How will we know when they have learned it?
3. How will we respond when they have not learned it?
4. How will we respond when they have learned it?
via Solution Tree



It was a great day! I thoroughly enjoy my time with students and miss them dearly!!

Thanks for reading!