This is a fun writing activity to help students see the differences between linear (arithmetic, adding) and exponential (geometric, multiplying) growth. Students explore the ideas of linear and exponential growth through old Schoolhouse Rock videos and a video dated back to 1977. For the sake of time, you do not have to show the videos. Instead, you can share the poem samples that we have provided. After seeing the various ways these ideas are represented, students will generate their own numbers and write original poems to represent them.

Linear and Exponential Functions were addressed in Unit 3 of Coordinate Algebra. This project will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the two functions and teachers will be able to gauge student mastery through the use of poetry.

We encourage you to get your students to participate in this wonderful opportunity. It is our hope that you can count this writing activity as a project grade. In addition, we will be awarding prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. The awards will be based on content, originality, continuity, idea development, and word choice. The winners will also be highlighted on the APS 6-12 Mathematics page with the hope that Dr. Carstarphen will re-tweet the winners.

We are providing everything that you will need to successfully implement this activity. Please begin with the Teacher Instructions because it will guide you through the entire activity. We have also included a document that contains the standards that will be addressed in this activity.

The due date for the project will be Monday, February 9, 2015. You may want to have an earlier due date for your students so that you can select your 3 best poems. We are requesting that you send those as we will judge all poems from those collected throughout the district. The winners will be announced on Monday, February 16, 2015.

Click here for the detailed handouts and procedures!

Educationally yours,

Dr. Alisha Hill, 6-12 English/Language Arts Coordinator, arhill@atlanta.k12.ga.us

Mr. Neal Christian, 6-12 Mathematics Coordinator, nchristian@atlanta.k12.ga.us