In activities that use paper folding and M&M's, students collect data, create scatterplots, and determine algebraic models that represent their functions. Students begin this lesson by collecting data within their groups.

In activities that use paper folding and M&M's, students collect data, create scatterplots, and determine algebraic models that represent their functions. Students begin this lesson by collecting data within their groups. They repeatedly fold a sheet of paper in half and count the number of sections after each fold. They draw a scatterplot of their data and determine that the number of sections follows a pattern of exponential growth. With a fresh sheet of paper, they again repeatedly fold it in half, this time recording the area of the smallest region after each fold. This time they find a pattern of exponential decay. Then the students use M&M's and a graphing calculator to determine a model for a third experiment. These investigations allow students to explore the patterns of exponential models in tables, graphs, and symbolic form. The final activity provides an opportunity for students to apply what they know about exponential models to future populations of African Rhinos. In addition to the lesson plan, the site includes ideas for assessment, teacher discussion, extensions of the lesson, additional resources, and a discussion of the mathematical content. The lesson plan is accompanied by video clips illustrating lesson procedures. The user should first locate the Rhinos and M & Ms lesson and then access the appropriate video clips at the PBS TeacherSource website. The video player necessary to view the video clips can be downloaded for free from the site. (author/pk)