This fast-paced game requires the direct application of exponents' three multiplication properties. Write down two columns of 10 mathematical operations and ask two students each time to come to the board and transform them as quickly as possible. For example, they must transform (5^3)^4 into 5^12 and 2^3---6^3 into (2---6)^3. You need two timers to measure both players' performance. When they are both done, write down their time on the board and repeat the process until everyone has played the game. The student with the fastest time is the winner.
Prepare three sets of cards displaying their points value (100, 200, 300 and 400) on one side. Each group corresponds to a specific multiplication property. On the other side of the cards, write equations with exponents, the difficulty of which must be relevant to the card's point value. Divide the classroom into four teams and let children elect their leader. The leaders' task is to choose a question and -- after consulting their teammates -- give an answer. The winner is the team with the most points after all cards have been selected.
Give students a glimpse of what the task of correcting papers is about. Prepare a paper containing a set of equations with exponents, some of which are correct (2^3---2^8=2^11) and some wrong, such as (9^2)^3= 9^5. Make a copy for each student, distribute it in class and ask them to correct the mistakes, while explaining why an equation is wrong. The first student to spot the mistakes and justify his notes wins.
Write down two numbers on the board, such as (2^4)^2 and 2^6. Ask children to think carefully and raise their hands as soon as they have figured out which one is the larger number. You can also use equal numbers, like 2^7 and (2^3)(2^4) to trick students. The game consists of 10 rounds and the player with the most correct answers wins. To prevent children from raising their hand quickly before coming up with the result, the player must answer instantly; otherwise, he loses a point. Ties at the end of the 10th tenth round are resolved with sudden death questions: The first to answer correctly wins.