I love logarithms! If you have read my other posts on logarithms, you’ll know I say this every time because it is true! It is my favorite unit to teach and has always been a favorite! I love watching the ‘aha’ moments and the gears turning when students start to understand a logarithm. This activity to introduce logarithms helped my students understand the definition of a logarithm quicker than in previous years.
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Amy Gruen posted about exponent puzzles she used in her algebra 2 class to introduce logarithms. I really love this activity because it gets students thinking about the definition of a logarithm without calling it a logarithm. She provides downloads to three levels of puzzles.
How to Implement the Exponent Puzzle Activity to Introduce Logarithms
I loved the activity, but I wanted to implement it a little differently due to applying some concepts from building thinking classrooms. I created a document that combined the three levels on one page and copied practice on creating common bases for exponential expressions on the back.
Per building thinking classrooms, my students worked at vertical dry erase boards in random groups to complete the puzzles.
Groups moved at their own pace while I worked the room and assisted small groups. I love this because I get to have targeted instruction with individual students as they work and I can easily see their work as I scan the room.
Classroom Materials
The clipboards were given to me from another teacher who was cleaning out her storage room. They are hanging from magnetic dry erase boards using a magnetic hook. These clipboard stations have been one of my favorite additions to my classroom this year! My other favorite items for the classroom can be found here!
If you do not have enough board space or are uncomfortable with students moving around the room, these challenges could be used in groups at their desks and reused in a dry-erase sleeve.
Download the activity
Are you ready to give the activity a try? Use the “download activity” link below. I post my activities on Teachers Pay Teachers. This activity along with most others are free!
I would love to hear how it goes if you use this activity in your classroom! Do you do something similar? Let me know in the comments!
Related post: Best Logarithm Activities to Increase Student Engagement and Fluency
