Algebra II Lesson

Zombie Outbreak: Unlocking Logarithms as the Inverse of Exponential Functions

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10th-11th GradeThin-SlicingCCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.BF.B.4.A, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.LE.A.450 min

Learning Objective

Students will be able to rewrite exponential equations in logarithmic form, evaluate common and natural logarithms, and solve basic exponential equations using logarithms (CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.BF.B.4.A, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.LE.A.4).

Lesson Overview

Students use a zombie virus outbreak context (f(t) = 2^t) to discover that logarithms answer the question 'what exponent do I need?' — progressing from reading exponential equations to evaluating, rewriting, and solving logarithmic expressions.

Materials

Vertical whiteboards or large chart paper
Dry-erase markers (multiple colors)
Erasers or paper towels
Random grouping cards
Four-Quadrant note-taking template (printed or folded paper)

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1

The zombie virus follows f(t) = 2^t. Fill in the table below — find the OUTPUT (number of zombies) for each day.

Day (t)	Zombies f(t) = 2^t
0
1
2
3
4
5

Then SKETCH the graph on your whiteboard.

[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]

2Task 2

Now flip the question. Instead of 'Given the day, how many zombies?' ask: 'Given the zombies, what day is it?'

Fill in the REVERSE table:

Zombies	Day (t) = ?
1
2
4
8
16
32

In words: you are answering '2 raised to WHAT power gives this number?'

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