Intro to Logarithms Lesson

In this Intro to Logarithms Activity, high school students will begin think about the topic of logarithms in a simple way.

Logarithms are so different than what students are used to, it can be a challenge to teach. However, once students can translate logarithms into simple questions, their initial confusion goes away. Their focus is shifted from the math symbols to a question, which is naturally easier to think about. In many cases, the answers become almost instantly apparent.

This is an activity designed for 10th – 12th grade students.

Purpose of the lesson:

• For students to get used to reading/writing logarithms as questions.

• For students to see that they currently don’t have a “tool” to isolate an exponent. (This is highlighted in Example 2 & Practice 2.  They don’t have an answer for the far-right column of the table, so it’s left as a question mark.)

• For students to develop fluidity in moving between exponential and logarithmic forms.

This PowerPoint will begin with a Do Now that will set the foundation for the activity. Students will be posed with 1 essential question, that serves as the objectives for them. How do I simplify and rewrite logarithmic expressions?

Each slide provides steps for students to complete as well as a time limit for completion. This is an editable presentation, so you will be able to tweak times to fit your students’ needs.

A printable handout is included, so students can complete their guided notes as they work to solve each problem.

I hope you enjoy!

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https://teachsimple.com/product/algebra-2-word-wall

https://teachsimple.com/product/algebra-1-word-wall

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I can be contacted for questions and concerns at smithmathtpt@gmail.com.   

A 6 page printable PDF

A 20 slide PowerPoint