Knowledge/Skill Building
Understanding Exponential Growth for Savings
CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-BF.A.1
CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-LE.A.1
CCSS.Math.Content.HSF-LE.A.2
Community Partners
Essential Question
Students model how savings grow with compound interest by translating car-down-payment scenarios into an exponential function. They practice reading and writing relationships between quantities and discuss how changing contributions and rates affect outcomes.
Plan day
Day 1
Duration
60 min
Grouping
—
Steps
5 steps
Lesson plan
5 steps · 60 min| # | What teachers do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction: Explain the essential question and present an overview of the task — saving for a car using exponential functions. (10 min) |
| 2 | Guest Speaker: Car dealership representative discusses real-world costs and savings opportunities for buying a car, focusing on realistic savings plans. (15 min) |
| 3 | Group Brainstorming: Students brainstorm in small groups to generate potential savings strategies using exponential growth, considering factors like interest rates and monthly contributions. (10 min) |
| 4 | Class Discussion: Groups share their ideas, and the class discusses the viability of these strategies, focusing on the distinctions between linear and exponential models. (10 min) |
| 5 | Reflection: Students individually jot down insights gained from the discussion and how they might apply exponential functions to their savings plan. (5 min) |
Preparation (1 item)
- Coordinate with a local car dealership for a guest speaker, ensuring the representative provides relevant scenarios for student engagement.
Student-facing instructions
You will begin by exploring how exponential functions can help plan savings for a car. Listen to the guest speaker for insights on real-world savings. Work in groups to brainstorm savings strategies using exponential growth principles. Share your ideas with the class and discuss which strategies might work best in reality. Finally, reflect on what you've learned and consider how you can apply this knowledge to your personal savings plan.