Exponent Rules Koosh!

Now that my students know product, power and quotient rule, I introduced them to the negative exponent rule today.  It went over really well.  I have them follow the exact rules above to simplify everything, then move any variable with a negative exponent to the denominator at the end of the problem.  Once I was confident that they had that concept down, it was game time!!  I made this Koosh Ball game about 4 years ago and play it every year.  The kids LOVE it.

I pulled two desks to the front and played girls vs. boys today.  They always enjoy that! 

I've had this Koosh ball for years. You can find them at most any store.

Then, just throw the ball at the Smart Board!  (Or whatever interactive whiteboard you have.)

When it hits the board, it will link to that problem.



The circles disappear after they have been hit, so there are no repeats.

The students have a worksheet to write the problems down and simplify them.

I only let them throw the ball if they write down and show all their work. 
That works like a charm because they all want to throw the ball. 
Lots of fun, and lots of math.  A win-win!