To teach the Algebra I standard on interpreting parameters in exponential functions, I integrate Excel (or Google Sheets) and Desmos strategically to develop conceptual understanding and promote student exploration.
Spreadsheets allow students to see the numerical growth or decay over time. They can enter values of t and observe the changes in V(t) = a*(b)^t line by line, which helps them understand how exponential behavior unfolds. Students can manipulate the a and b parameters and instantly observe how the table and graph change. This supports procedural fluency and provides a bridge between symbolic, tabular, and graphical representations.
Desmos offers a visual and interactive platform. Using sliders for a and b, students can dynamically explore how the graph of an exponential function behaves when parameters change. Desmos makes abstract transformations more concrete, and its clean visual feedback reinforces the effect of growth vs. decay. By modeling real-world problems such as car depreciation, students see the relevance of exponential functions in decision-making.
I would introduce the topic with a real-world question like:
"How fast does a car lose value? And when does it become a bad investment?"
Students would then experiment in both Desmos and Excel with multiple scenarios, record observations, and explain the role of each parameter in context. Both platforms encourage productive struggle, mathematical discourse, and student agency in exploring exponential models.
View the lesson plan attached on the next subpage to see more or access here: