1. You will build foundational knowledge about logarithms and how to solve mathematics problems
involving logarithms. Concepts will include:
A. What logarithmic functions are and how they are related to exponential functions
B. Properties of logarithms
C. How to solve logarithmic and exponential equations
D. How to graph logarithmic functions
2. You will build on this knowledge by exploring real-world applications of logarithms. You and a partner
will play one of the roles described below. You will research your topic in order to become “experts” in
your field and will make a presentation to the class. You should include at a detailed level how
logarithms are important to your case. Afterwards the class will ask questions and decide if your
presentation sufficiently makes your case.
Roles:
A. You are an environmentalist concerned about acid rain. You plan to deliver a report to your local
legislator about your concerns and what you believe needs to be done. Include in your report a
detailed explanation of pH and the mathematics behind it.
B. You are an archaeologist interested in protecting areas of historical significance from developers.
You are creating a report for the city council in the hopes of influencing their decisions. As part of
your case, explain radioactive decay and the mathematics behind it.
C. You are a city engineer concerned with the safety of your city were an earthquake to occur. You
wish to convey the potential damage and steps to mitigate damage. As part of your case, explain
the Richter scale and the mathematics behind it.
D. You are a financial planner consulting with a client. Describe various investment scenarios and the
time required until retirement. Include a detailed explanation of the mathematics you used.
E. You are a scientist concerned about population growth. Research the current carrying capacity of
the earth and use logarithms to calculate when we will reach that capacity according to various
scenarios. Propose potential solutions.
F. You are a neighborhood activist fighting a proposal to expand a nearby airport due to noise
pollution. As part of your case, explain the science and mathematics of sound and decibels.
involving logarithms. Concepts will include:
A. What logarithmic functions are and how they are related to exponential functions
B. Properties of logarithms
C. How to solve logarithmic and exponential equations
D. How to graph logarithmic functions
2. You will build on this knowledge by exploring real-world applications of logarithms. You and a partner
will play one of the roles described below. You will research your topic in order to become “experts” in
your field and will make a presentation to the class. You should include at a detailed level how
logarithms are important to your case. Afterwards the class will ask questions and decide if your
presentation sufficiently makes your case.
Roles:
A. You are an environmentalist concerned about acid rain. You plan to deliver a report to your local
legislator about your concerns and what you believe needs to be done. Include in your report a
detailed explanation of pH and the mathematics behind it.
B. You are an archaeologist interested in protecting areas of historical significance from developers.
You are creating a report for the city council in the hopes of influencing their decisions. As part of
your case, explain radioactive decay and the mathematics behind it.
C. You are a city engineer concerned with the safety of your city were an earthquake to occur. You
wish to convey the potential damage and steps to mitigate damage. As part of your case, explain
the Richter scale and the mathematics behind it.
D. You are a financial planner consulting with a client. Describe various investment scenarios and the
time required until retirement. Include a detailed explanation of the mathematics you used.
E. You are a scientist concerned about population growth. Research the current carrying capacity of
the earth and use logarithms to calculate when we will reach that capacity according to various
scenarios. Propose potential solutions.
F. You are a neighborhood activist fighting a proposal to expand a nearby airport due to noise
pollution. As part of your case, explain the science and mathematics of sound and decibels.