It is also clear that students have prior experience in making tables and scatterplots as well as the several calculator tasks required. The mathematical content of the lesson is a logical next step. Sequence from simple to complex. This lesson provides a transition from exponential growth to decay, with the models moving from simple ratios and integers to more complex decimals. Move from concrete to abstract.
Students use experiential activities with manipulatives to create simple tables.
Then they discuss patterns, which are then translated into mathematical models. Break tasks and instructions into small steps. Students generally have to remember only a few things to do at each point. In many cases, tasks are divided still further so that each student has a part of the task. The teacher models how to fold the paper, how to set up and label tables, and how to set up and label graphs.