Math Lesson Plan · Grades 6–9
Introduction to Exponents Lesson
Introduce students to exponents and exponential notation. The lesson covers base and exponent vocabulary, how to read and write powers, and how to evaluate exponential expressions by repeated multiplication. Includes 20 practice problems and answer key.
Subject
Math
Grades
Grades 6–9
Skill Focus
Exponents, powers, evaluating expressions, algebra, math
Lesson Length
30–45 minutes
Lesson Overview
Understanding and Evaluating Exponents
An exponent tells how many times to multiply the base by itself. In 3³, the base is 3 and the exponent is 3, so 3³ = 3 × 3 × 3 = 27. The lesson introduces this notation, the vocabulary of powers (squared, cubed), and the process of evaluating expressions with exponents.
The seven-page lesson walks through base and exponent notation, evaluation with worked examples, and expressions with variables. Students complete 20 practice problems and check their work using the answer key on page 7.
How to Use This Lesson
1. Introduce base and exponent notation and vocabulary (pages 1–2). Read powers aloud and connect to repeated multiplication.
2. Work through evaluating exponential expressions together (pages 3–5). Include numerical and variable expressions.
3. Assign the 20 practice problems (page 6) independently. Review answers using the key on page 7.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 7 pages
Introduction to Exponents Lesson
Seven-page printable: base and exponent notation, evaluating powers, worked examples, 20 practice problems, and answer key. Grades 6–9.