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Copyright © Swun MathCopyright © Swun Math Grade 8 Unit 3 Lesson 1 C TE

Scientific Notation

Conceptual Lesson

Grade 8 · Unit 3 · Lesson 1
MC: 8 .EE. 3 

Problem of the Day

Objective: I will convert numbers between standard form and scientific notation.

Vocabulary Teacher Resources

Scientific Notation: a method to write very large

numbers or very small numbers as the product of

a number between 1 and 10 and a power of 10

99 = 9.9 × 101

Number Digits Power of 10

0.0000026 = 2.6 × 10 -6

Power of Ten: ten multiplied by itself the

number of times indicated by the exponent

To figure out power of 10, think “How many places

does the decimal point move?”

If number is 10 or greater,

move to the left = positive power

If number is smaller than 1,

move to the right= negative power

Considerations:

Students tend to struggle with standard form to scientific

notation with the exponent’s positive or negative value.

This lesson is focusing on asking the students questions

about the size of the original number to help them

understand conceptually the positive and negative powers

of ten. Practice writing the scientific notation to standard

form to prove the exponent. Don’t focus as much on the

steps of moving right or left, but rather the idea of large and

small numbers and how powers of 10 work.

Steps:

Standard to Scientific Notation

To build conceptual understanding, ask yourself these

questions:

1. Is the number a big or small number?


2. Will the exponent be positive or negative?
   
   
   • Big number = positive power
   
   
   • Small number = negative power
   
   
   
   


3. Locate or place the decimal point.


4. Count the number of places the decimal will
   move to create a number in the ones place.
   This will be the power of ten.


5. Write an expression using scientific notation.

Scientific Notation to Standard Form:

1. If the exponent is positive, move to the right
   (multiplication).


2. If the exponent is negative, move to the left
   (division).


3. Make additional zeros for place value needed.
   Application of MPs:
   MP6: How do you know if the exponent will be a positive or a
   negative?
   I know that the exponent will be a positive/negative
   because.
   MP 8 : What patterns do you find in figuring out the power of 10?
   The pattern I could see when figuring out the power of 10
   was.

MPs

Applied MP

* Embedded MP

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

*  *

Student Journal Pages

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