8th Grade  Project 1 week

"Math Shopping Spree: Unlocking Best Deals!"

Caden C
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Purpose

This project aims to deepen students' understanding of proportional and linear relationships through real-world applications. By engaging in a 'Shopping Smart' simulation, students will apply mathematical concepts to make budget-conscious decisions, enhancing their ability to analyze and compare product values effectively. The culminating 'Math Marketplace' exhibition provides an interactive platform for students to demonstrate their learning and communicate the significance of proportional reasoning in everyday life, fostering practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.

Learning goals

Students will develop a deep understanding of proportional and linear relationships by applying these concepts to real-world scenarios. They will enhance their mathematical reasoning skills by comparing prices, calculating discounts, and determining the best value for money in a simulated shopping environment. Additionally, students will improve their communication skills by creating a public service announcement video, articulating the relevance of proportional relationships in everyday activities such as cooking, shopping, and travel.
Standards
  • Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.EE.B.5: Graph proportional relationships, interpreting the unit rate as the slope of the graph. Compare two different proportional relationships represented in different ways.
  • Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.EE.B.6: Use similar triangles to explain why the slope m is the same between any two distinct points on a non-vertical line in the coordinate plane; derive the equation y = mx for a line through the origin and the equation y = mx + b for a line intercepting the vertical axis at b.

Products

Students will create a public service announcement video that highlights the significance of understanding proportional relationships in everyday scenarios such as cooking, shopping, or travel. This video will serve as an educational tool to demonstrate how math can be applied to make informed and budget-friendly decisions. Additionally, students will participate in a 'Math Marketplace' event, where they will engage in interactive activities to calculate discounts and compare product values, showcasing their understanding of proportional reasoning to peers and family members.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic 'Shopping Smart' simulation where students dive into a hands-on experience as savvy consumers. Set up a mock store with various products, prices, and discounts, challenging students to apply proportional reasoning to make the most budget-friendly purchases. Encourage collaboration and discussion as they compare deals, fostering a lively environment that sets the stage for their public service announcement video and Math Marketplace exhibition.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Math Marketplace' event where they simulate a shopping experience, inviting peers and family to participate. Attendees will engage in interactive activities that challenge them to calculate discounts and compare product values using proportional relationships. Students will present their public service announcement videos, showcasing real-world examples of proportional reasoning in everyday life. The event will emphasize practical math skills, encouraging attendees to make informed, budget-conscious decisions.