"Ratio Rodeo: Life's Budget Adventure!"

6th Grade Project 6 weeks

"Ratio Rodeo: Life's Budget Adventure!"

Linda Nelson

CCSS.Math.Content.6.RP.A.1

CCSS.Math.Content.6.RP.A.2

CCSS.Math.Content.6.RP.A.3

Students monitor and refine the problem-solving process as needed, based on available data.

Students persist to solve complex problems.

1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse students in practical applications of ratios and rates, enabling them to understand and utilize these mathematical concepts in real-life scenarios. By engaging with local community partners and using authentic data, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they create a budget plan for a family event. This hands-on experience encourages students to apply their learning to make informed financial decisions, fostering a deeper understanding of proportional reasoning in everyday contexts.

Learning goals

Students will develop a deep understanding of ratios, rates, and proportional reasoning, applying these concepts to create a practical budget plan for a family event. They will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by analyzing real-world data from local grocery stores and making informed financial decisions. Through collaborative activities like the 'Ratio Scavenger Hunt,' students will connect mathematical concepts to everyday scenarios, fostering a meaningful and engaging learning experience.

Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.6.RP.A.1 - Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a ratio relationship between two quantities.
CCSS.Math.Content.6.RP.A.2 - Understand the concept of a unit rate a/b associated with a ratio a:b with b ≠ 0, and use rate language in the context of a ratio relationship.
CCSS.Math.Content.6.RP.A.3 - Use ratio and rate reasoning to solve real-world and mathematical problems, e.g., by reasoning about tables of equivalent ratios, tape diagrams, double number line diagrams, or equations.

Competencies

Think critically and solve complex problems. - Students monitor and refine the problem-solving process as needed, based on available data.
Think critically and solve complex problems. - Students persist to solve complex problems.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a comprehensive budget plan for a hypothetical family event, integrating real-world data from local grocery stores. Throughout the project, they will develop a visual presentation, such as a poster or digital slideshow, that outlines their budgeting process, including calculations of unit rates and ratios. Additionally, students will compile a portfolio of their findings from the 'Ratio Scavenger Hunt,' showcasing various examples of ratios and rates observed in the community. These products will demonstrate their understanding of mathematical concepts and their application to real-life decision-making.

Launch

Kick off the project with a dynamic 'Ratio Scavenger Hunt' where students venture into the school or local community to identify and document real-world examples of ratios and rates. This hands-on activity will have students searching for items like speed limit signs, ingredient proportions on food labels, and price comparisons in store flyers. By engaging in this interactive exploration, students will begin to see the relevance of ratios and rates in everyday life, setting the stage for deeper inquiry and application throughout the project.

Exhibition

At the end of the project, students will present their budget plans for a family event at a "Budget Fair" hosted at the school. They will set up booths to display their work, including visual aids like charts and graphs that illustrate their use of ratios and rates. Local grocery store partners and family members will be invited to attend, providing feedback and engaging with students about their decision-making processes. This event will allow students to articulate their learning and demonstrate their ability to apply mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	1. Introduction to Ratios and Rates: Begin with an interactive discussion on what ratios and rates are, using everyday examples like cooking recipes and sports statistics. Students will work in pairs to identify ratios in a set of provided images (e.g., fruit baskets with different quantities).	2. 'Ratio Scavenger Hunt' Launch: Kick off the project by venturing around the school or neighborhood to find and document real-world examples of ratios and rates, such as speed limits, ingredient lists, or price comparisons. Students will use tablets or smartphones to capture images and take notes.	3. Class Discussion and Reflection: Return to the classroom to share findings from the scavenger hunt. Facilitate a class discussion on how these ratios and rates impact daily life. Encourage students to reflect on and record their thoughts in a math journal.	4. Introduction to the Budget Plan Project: Present the essential question and the project goal. Discuss how students will use ratios and rates to create a budget plan for a hypothetical family event. Provide examples of potential events and outline expectations for the final project.
Deliverables	1. 1. Completed 'Ratio Scavenger Hunt' Portfolio: Students will compile images and notes from the scavenger hunt into a digital or physical portfolio, showcasing a variety of real-world ratios and rates they've discovered.
Preparation	1. 1. Gather Resources: Prepare tablets or ensure students have access to smartphones for the scavenger hunt. Secure permission slips if students will be leaving the school grounds. 2. 2. Create Scavenger Hunt Guide: Develop a guide or checklist for the scavenger hunt, including potential examples and tips for identifying ratios and rates. 3. 3. Secure Community Partnership: Contact local grocery stores to establish partnerships and gain access to real-world pricing data for the upcoming budget plan project. 4. 4. Prepare Introduction Materials: Develop a presentation or handouts to introduce the concepts of ratios and rates and the overall project plan to the students.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	1. Ratio and Rate Exploration: Use real-world grocery store data provided by community partners to explore different products. Students will calculate and compare unit rates to determine the best value for various items.	2. Group Activity - Budget Planning Basics: Students will form small groups and choose a hypothetical family event they will plan for. Using provided data, they will begin brainstorming essential items and services needed for the event, identifying where ratios and rates will play a role.	3. Interactive Workshop - Creating Tables of Equivalent Ratios: Students will engage in a hands-on workshop using tape diagrams and double number line diagrams to create tables of equivalent ratios for selected items. This will help them visualize and understand the proportional relationships.	4. Reflection and Discussion: Facilitate a class discussion where students share their initial thoughts and discoveries about budgeting and the role of ratios/rates in decision-making. Encourage students to record insights in their math journals.
Deliverables	1. 1. Completed Budget Planning Worksheet: Each group will submit a worksheet outlining their chosen event, list of items/services, initial cost estimates, and calculations of unit rates for selected products.
Preparation	1. 1. Gather Real-World Data: Collect and organize pricing data from local grocery store partners, ensuring it is accessible and relevant for students' budget planning. 2. 2. Prepare Workshop Materials: Develop and print worksheets and resources for the workshop on equivalent ratios, including tape diagrams and double number line diagrams. 3. 3. Facilitate Group Formation: Plan for group formation by considering student strengths and interests to ensure diverse and effective teams for the budget planning activity. 4. 4. Set Up Discussion Framework: Create prompts and questions to guide the reflection and discussion session, focusing on the application of ratios and rates in budget planning.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	1. Understanding Proportional Relationships: Conduct a hands-on activity where students use physical objects (e.g., colored blocks or beads) to create and visualize proportional relationships, reinforcing their understanding of ratios in a tangible way.	2. Real-World Math Simulation: Set up a classroom simulation where students act as customers and vendors. They will practice calculating prices using different unit rates, applying their knowledge of ratios and rates to make purchasing decisions.	3. Group Work - Detailed Budget Planning: In their groups, students will refine their budget plans by selecting specific products and services, calculating total costs, and ensuring the plan stays within the hypothetical budget. Encourage them to use tables and diagrams to support their calculations.	4. Peer Review Session: Facilitate a peer review session where groups present their budget plans to each other. Students will provide constructive feedback, focusing on the accuracy of calculations and the practicality of budget plans.
Deliverables	1. 1. Revised Budget Plan: Each group will submit a detailed budget plan that includes selected products/services, cost calculations, and a summary of how ratios and rates informed their decisions. 2. 2. Peer Review Feedback Forms: Each student will complete a feedback form for the budget plans they review, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Preparation	1. 1. Gather Materials: Collect and organize materials for the hands-on activity, such as colored blocks or beads, to aid in the visualization of proportional relationships. 2. 2. Set Up Simulation: Prepare the classroom for the real-world math simulation, including creating mock price lists and setting up 'vendor' stations. 3. 3. Compile Feedback Forms: Develop feedback forms for the peer review session, including criteria for evaluating budget plans and space for constructive comments. 4. 4. Facilitate Group Progress: Check in with each group to ensure they are on track with their budget planning, offering guidance and support as needed.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	1. Data Collection Field Trip: Visit a local grocery store with students to collect real-time data on prices and promotions. Students will gather information on different products and record relevant ratios and unit rates.	2. Data Analysis Workshop: Back in the classroom, students will analyze the collected data using tables and graphs. They will compare and contrast unit rates to determine the best purchase options for their budget plans.	3. Budget Adjustment Session: Students will revisit their budget plans using the new data, adjusting their selections and calculations as necessary to remain within their event budget constraints.	4. Creative Presentation Design: In groups, students will begin designing a visual presentation of their budget plans. This includes creating charts, graphs, and other visual aids to clearly communicate their findings and decisions.
Deliverables	1. 1. Updated Budget Plan: Submit a revised budget plan incorporating new data and calculations. 2. 2. Initial Presentation Draft: Groups will submit a draft of their visual presentation, including planned charts, graphs, and a narrative outline.
Preparation	1. 1. Coordinate Field Trip: Arrange transportation and permissions for the grocery store visit, ensuring all students can participate. 2. 2. Prepare Data Analysis Tools: Provide students with the necessary tools and templates for analyzing collected data, such as spreadsheets or graph paper. 3. 3. Review Budget Plans: Offer feedback on initial budget plans to guide students in making effective adjustments. 4. 4. Assist with Presentation Tools: Ensure access to materials and software for creating digital or physical presentations, such as computers, poster boards, and art supplies.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	1. Finalize Budget Plans: Students will finalize their budget plans by verifying all calculations, ensuring that the ratios and rates are used correctly, and confirming that they meet the hypothetical family event's needs and constraints.	2. Presentation Rehearsal: In their groups, students will practice presenting their budget plans. They will focus on explaining their reasoning and decision-making process, highlighting how they used ratios and rates.	3. Feedback and Refinement: Conduct a peer feedback session where groups present their rehearsals to another group. Students will provide constructive feedback on clarity, use of data, and presentation style, helping each other refine their presentations.	4. Create Visual Aids: Students will complete the creation of visual aids, such as posters, slideshows, or charts, to effectively communicate their budget plans and the role of ratios and rates in their decision-making.
Deliverables	1. 1. Completed Budget Plan: Each group will submit their final budget plan, showcasing accurate calculations and well-reasoned decisions. 2. 2. Final Presentation Materials: Groups will provide a copy of their visual aids and presentation outlines, ready for the upcoming 'Budget Fair'.
Preparation	1. 1. Arrange Presentation Equipment: Ensure access to projectors, screens, or other necessary equipment for students to present their work effectively. 2. 2. Develop Feedback Guidelines: Create a set of guidelines for peer feedback, focusing on constructive and supportive comments to enhance presentations. 3. 3. Schedule Rehearsals: Organize a schedule for group rehearsals, ensuring all students have the opportunity to practice and refine their presentations. 4. 4. Review Final Plans: Provide final feedback on budget plans to ensure all groups are prepared for the exhibition, addressing any last-minute questions or concerns.

Week 6	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	1. Final Presentation Preparation: Students will conduct a final review of their budget plans and presentations, making last-minute adjustments and enhancements based on feedback received in Week 5. They will ensure their presentations effectively communicate their understanding of ratios, rates, and proportional reasoning.	2. Exhibition Setup: Collaboratively set up the 'Budget Fair' in the designated space. Students will arrange their booths, displaying their budget plans and visual aids. They will organize materials for engaging visitors and presenting their findings.	3. Budget Fair Presentation: Students will present their budget plans to community partners, family members, and peers. They will articulate how they applied ratios and rates in their decision-making process, demonstrating their mastery of the concepts.	4. Reflection and Celebration: Facilitate a reflection session where students share their learnings and experiences from the project. Celebrate their achievements with certificates or small rewards. Encourage students to reflect in their math journals on how ratios and rates impact their daily lives.
Deliverables	1. 1. Budget Fair Presentation: Each group will present their comprehensive budget plan and visual aids at the 'Budget Fair', showcasing their understanding of ratios and rates. 2. 2. Reflection Entry: Students will complete a final reflection entry in their math journals, summarizing their learning journey and insights gained from the project.
Preparation	1. 1. Arrange Exhibition Space: Prepare the area for the 'Budget Fair', ensuring there are enough booths and space for each group to display their work. 2. 2. Coordinate Guest Invitations: Invite community partners, family members, and other classes to attend the 'Budget Fair'. Provide information on the event schedule and expectations. 3. 3. Prepare Certificates: Create certificates or small rewards for students to acknowledge their hard work and successful completion of the project. 4. 4. Facilitate Reflection: Develop prompts for the reflection session, guiding students to articulate their learning and the relevance of ratios and rates in everyday life.