Food Truck Frenzy: Math Meets Munchies!

4th Grade

Project
5 weeks

Food Truck Frenzy: Math Meets Munchies!

Hope Encinias

CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.3

CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.B.5

CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.C.8

CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.D.10

CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.1

+ 31 more

Purpose

The purpose of the project is to engage fourth-grade students in a hands-on, real-world learning experience by designing and launching their own food truck business. Through this project, students will apply math and writing skills to solve practical problems, such as budgeting, measuring, and advertising, while meeting educational standards. By collaborating with community partners and participating in interactive activities, students will develop a deeper understanding of entrepreneurship and the food industry, culminating in a showcase event where they present their innovative food truck concepts.

Learning goals

Students will apply mathematical concepts such as estimation, addition, subtraction, and graphing to design and manage a food truck business. They will develop writing and communication skills by creating advertising materials and presenting their business ideas. Through collaboration with community partners, students will gain insights into real-world business operations and culinary creativity. The project will culminate in a Food Truck Festival, where students will showcase their work and engage with the community, reflecting on their learning journey and the practical application of their skills.

Standards

CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.3 - Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.B.5 - Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving lengths that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as drawings of rulers) and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.C.8 - Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.D.10 - Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put-together, take-apart, and compare problems using information presented in a bar graph.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.1 - Understand that the three digits of a three-digit number represent amounts of hundreds, tens, and ones; e.g., 706 equals 7 hundreds, 0 tens, and 6 ones. Understand the following as special cases:
CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.2 - Count within 1000; skip-count by 5s, 10s, and 100s.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.8 - Mentally add 10 or 100 to a given number 100—900, and mentally subtract 10 or 100 from a given number 100—900.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.9 - Explain why addition and subtraction strategies work, using place value and the properties of operations.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP1 - Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP2 - Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP4 - Model with mathematics.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5 - Use appropriate tools strategically.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP6 - Attend to precision.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP7 - Look for and make use of structure.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP8 - Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.A.3 - Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.B.5 - Use addition and subtraction within 100 to solve word problems involving lengths that are given in the same units, e.g., by using drawings (such as drawings of rulers) and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.C.8 - Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.D.10 - Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put-together, take-apart, and compare problems using information presented in a bar graph.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.1 - Understand that the three digits of a three-digit number represent amounts of hundreds, tens, and ones; e.g., 706 equals 7 hundreds, 0 tens, and 6 ones. Understand the following as special cases:
CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.A.2 - Count within 1000; skip-count by 5s, 10s, and 100s.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.8 - Mentally add 10 or 100 to a given number 100—900, and mentally subtract 10 or 100 from a given number 100—900.
CCSS.Math.Content.2.NBT.B.9 - Explain why addition and subtraction strategies work, using place value and the properties of operations.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP1 - Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP2 - Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP4 - Model with mathematics.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5 - Use appropriate tools strategically.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP6 - Attend to precision.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP7 - Look for and make use of structure.
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP8 - Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.2 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.4 - Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.SL.5 - Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.2.3 - Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.

Products

Students will design and build a scale model of a food truck using recycled materials, ensuring mathematical accuracy in measurements. They will also develop a comprehensive advertising campaign, including printed flyers, social media posts, and a video commercial, to effectively communicate their food truck's unique offerings. These products will be showcased at the Food Truck Festival, where students will present their models and marketing materials to classmates, teachers, and community members.

Launch

Kick off the project with a "Food Truck Frenzy" event where students visit a local food truck to explore its design and operations. They will measure dimensions, analyze the layout, and brainstorm ideas for their own truck designs. This hands-on experience will inspire creativity and provide a practical foundation for their upcoming project work.

Exhibition

Students will host a dynamic 'Food Truck Festival,' where they present their scale models and serve sample dishes to classmates, teachers, and community members. They will showcase their math calculations, advertising materials, and culinary creations. The festival will include a 'Community Taste Test,' inviting attendees to sample offerings and vote on favorites, with students analyzing the results through data collection and graphing. This exhibition will highlight students' creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the food truck business.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Project Launch - Kick off the 'Food Truck Frenzy' with a visit to a local food truck, measuring its dimensions and layout to inspire design ideas (40 min) Brainstorming Session - Collaboratively generate ideas for food truck themes and potential menu items, focusing on community needs (30 min) Reflection Journaling - Write about the experience and initial ideas, connecting math and writing skills to real-world applications (30 min)	Design Blueprint - Create preliminary sketches of food truck layouts using estimation skills for measurements (40 min) Math Measurement Workshop - Practice estimating lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters in the context of food truck design (30 min) Community Partner Introduction - Watch a video introduction from a local food truck owner discussing logistics and operations (30 min)	Budgeting Basics - Solve word problems involving dollar bills and coins to understand budgeting for the food truck business (40 min) Logo Design - Begin creating a logo for the food truck, focusing on writing skills to develop a catchy slogan (30 min) Feedback Session - Share logo ideas with peers and teachers, collecting constructive feedback for improvement (30 min)	Area and Perimeter Calculations - Calculate the area and perimeter of different sections of the food truck layout (40 min) Digital Media Exploration - Use digital tools to create a draft of an advertising flyer, incorporating clear and coherent writing (30 min) Reflection Journaling - Reflect on the week's progress, challenges, and learning experiences in developing the food truck business (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Journal entry reflecting on initial food truck concept and learnings from the workshop 2. Initial food truck design sketch with estimated measurements
Preparation	1. Coordinate and schedule a visit or virtual tour with a local food truck 2. Arrange a workshop with a local food truck owner 3. Gather measuring tools (rulers, tape measures) and drawing materials (paper, pencils) for design sketches 4. Prepare questions and discussion prompts related to the essential questions 5. Set up a classroom space for brainstorming and collaborative work

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Menu Planning - Collaboratively brainstorm and draft a menu for the food truck, incorporating local ingredients and cultural influences (40 min) Math Problem Solving - Use addition and subtraction to solve budgeting problems for menu pricing, incorporating dollar bills and coins (30 min) Community Partner Session - Attend a virtual workshop with a local chef to discuss recipe development and culinary creativity (30 min)	Layout Refinement - Refine food truck layout designs using precise measurements and calculations of area and perimeter (40 min) Digital Design Workshop - Use graphic design software to create digital versions of food truck layouts and logos (30 min) Reflection Journaling - Reflect on progress and insights from the chef's workshop, connecting culinary creativity to project goals (30 min)	Advertising Strategies - Develop a marketing strategy, focusing on crafting clear and coherent slogans and taglines (40 min) Data Visualization - Create bar graphs to represent potential customer feedback on menu options and advertising materials (30 min) Feedback Wall Session - Share advertising strategies on the feedback wall, gathering peer suggestions for enhancement (30 min)	Cost Calculation - Solve complex word problems involving costs to finalize a budget plan for ingredients and operations (40 min) Portfolio Development - Begin compiling project documents into a digital portfolio, showcasing design and math work (30 min) Reflection Journaling - Document the week's learnings and challenges, analyzing how budgeting and design choices impact the food truck's success (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed food truck blueprint with accurate measurements. 2. Budget plan detailing estimated costs and financial calculations. 3. Food truck logo and slogan draft, accompanied by a short paragraph explaining their choices.
Preparation	1. Gather rulers, graph paper, and colored pencils for blueprint design. 2. Provide examples of food truck layouts and designs for inspiration. 3. Prepare budget templates and money manipulatives for financial planning. 4. Set up digital design tools for creating logos and slogans.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Menu Development - Collaborate in groups to create a balanced and appealing menu for the food truck using fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers' market (40 min) Measurement Skills Application - Estimate ingredient quantities using metric units and practice addition and subtraction within 100 for recipe calculations (30 min) Reflection Journaling - Document the process of menu creation and the application of math skills, connecting ideas to real-world food truck operations (30 min)	Logo Refinement - Revise food truck logo design using feedback from peers, focusing on writing skills to enhance slogans and branding (40 min) Advertising Strategy Workshop - Develop a marketing plan using digital media, including social media posts and flyers, to promote the food truck (30 min) Community Partner Session - Participate in a virtual Q&A with a graphic design expert on effective branding and advertising strategies (30 min)	Layout Optimization - Use area and perimeter calculations to finalize the food truck layout, ensuring efficient use of space (40 min) Graphing Data - Create a picture graph to represent potential customer feedback on menu options, using data from the previous week's community taste test (30 min) Feedback Wall Update - Post current progress and challenges on the feedback wall, inviting peer suggestions for layout improvements (30 min)	Budget Calculation - Solve complex word problems involving currency to finalize the food truck budget, including ingredient costs and marketing expenses (40 min) Digital Commercial Creation - Begin scripting and filming a short video commercial highlighting the food truck's unique offerings (30 min) Reflection Journaling - Reflect on the week's progress and learning experiences, considering how math and writing skills are applied in the food truck project (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized food truck menu with cost calculations 2. Completed logo and branding design 3. Marketing plan including social media posts and flyers
Preparation	1. Gather price lists from local grocery stores or online sources for ingredient pricing. 2. Coordinate with a local graphic design firm for a workshop session. 3. Provide access to digital design tools like Canva or Adobe Spark. 4. Prepare materials for creating printed flyers and social media content.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Final Menu Development - Finalize food truck menu, ensuring inclusion of local ingredients and cultural influences (40 min) Pricing Strategy Session - Use math skills to establish prices for menu items, incorporating addition and subtraction within 100 (30 min) Reflection Journaling - Reflect on menu development and pricing decisions, focusing on the impact of cultural choices (30 min)	Logo and Branding Finalization - Refine food truck logo and branding materials using feedback from peers and digital design tools (40 min) Advertising Campaign Creation - Develop comprehensive advertising materials, including flyers and social media posts (30 min) Community Partner Feedback - Present branding materials to a graphic design firm for professional feedback (30 min)	Budget Reassessment - Review and adjust budget plan for food truck operations using word problems involving dollar bills and coins (40 min) Data Analysis - Analyze customer feedback data collected from surveys, creating bar graphs to visualize findings (30 min) Reflection Journaling - Document insights from data analysis, connecting feedback to advertising and menu strategies (30 min)	Exhibition Preparation - Prepare food truck models and sample dishes for the upcoming Food Truck Festival (40 min) Digital Portfolio Completion - Finalize digital portfolios, showcasing all project work and reflections (30 min) Feedback Wall Update - Post final project details on the feedback wall for last-minute peer suggestions (30 min)
Deliverables	1. A finalized and mathematically accurate scale model of the food truck layout. 2. A detailed and realistic budget plan for the food truck business. 3. A comprehensive marketing plan, including designed flyers and social media post drafts. 4. Graphical representations of survey data, such as bar graphs and picture graphs.
Preparation	1. Gather recycled materials and rulers for constructing the scale model of the food truck. 2. Prepare copies of budget templates and calculators for students to use during budgeting activities. 3. Provide art supplies and digital tools for designing marketing materials. 4. Ensure access to graphing software or graph paper for creating picture graphs and bar graphs. 5. Arrange for a classroom setup conducive to peer review and presentations, including a feedback wall for posting suggestions.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Final Menu Tasting - Conduct a taste test of finalized menu items, refining recipes based on peer feedback and observations (40 min) Pricing and Profit Analysis - Review pricing strategy and calculate potential profits using addition, subtraction, and currency symbols (30 min) Reflection Journaling - Reflect on the menu tasting process and pricing analysis, considering how math and sensory feedback influence decisions (30 min)	Final Logo and Branding Presentation - Present completed logo and branding materials to the class, incorporating feedback from the graphic design firm (40 min) Advertising Campaign Review - Conduct a peer review session to refine advertising materials, ensuring clarity and coherence in writing (30 min) Reflection Journaling - Reflect on branding and advertising strategies, focusing on improvements and effective communication of the food truck's identity (30 min)	Final Budget and Operations Plan - Finalize and present the food truck's budget and operational plan, using word problems to validate calculations (40 min) Digital Portfolio Showcase - Share completed digital portfolios with peers, highlighting key learning experiences and accomplishments (30 min) Community Partner Q&A - Engage in a virtual Q&A session with a local food truck owner, asking questions about real-world applications and insights (30 min)	Food Truck Festival Setup - Set up food truck models and prepare sample dishes for the festival, ensuring all elements are ready for presentation (40 min) Festival Presentation and Feedback - Host the Food Truck Festival, presenting models and dishes to community members and collecting feedback (30 min) Reflection Journaling and Wrap-Up - Reflect on the festival experience, noting successes, areas for improvement, and key takeaways from the project (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed scale model of the food truck with accurate measurements. 2. Comprehensive advertising campaign materials including flyers, social media posts, and a video commercial. 3. Presentation at the Food Truck Festival showcasing the scale model, advertising materials, and sample dishes. 4. Bar graphs representing data collected from the Community Taste Test.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the final touches on the scale models, such as paint, glue, and decorative elements. 2. Ensure all technological equipment is available and functioning for the video commercial presentation. 3. Coordinate with community partners to finalize logistics for the Food Truck Festival and Community Taste Test. 4. Prepare data collection sheets for the Community Taste Test and necessary graphing tools for data analysis. 5. Set up the exhibition space with tables, signage, and presentation areas for student food trucks.

Remixed from "Truckin' with Taste and Calculations!"