Cedar Hill Prep 8th graders in Math have been learning about exponential function behavior, how to read and plot exponential graphs, and most importantly, how to read and analyze the daily updated graphs related to the Coronavirus. The students are seeing first hand how mathematics can help in developing a greater awareness of the complexity and rapid spread of the virus, and how Math drives macro decisions such as social distancing and flattening the curve. Most recently, they also saw not only how viruses spread, but also how doing ‘good deeds’ for one another can spread. In an activity titled “Pay It Forward”, students were graphing exponentially and calculating the total number of good deeds done over 21 days. For example, If each person did 3 good deeds, and then each of those individuals in turn did 3 good deeds each, it would accumulate to over 15 billion good deeds…in just 3 weeks! And that is the “power of exponents”.
This is their Senior year at CHP, and they dearly miss being physically present at school. However, the kids are thriving and continue to engage in virtual learning through Zoom, and always look forward to being with their peers, albeit through a computer screen.
