6th Grade  Project 5 weeks

"Festive Finance: Christmas Cheer on a Budget"

Marcela H
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP7
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP3
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Students will collaboratively plan a Christmas party for the cleaning staff, focusing on creating a meaningful and inclusive event within a set budget. They will engage in real-world applications of arithmetic operations, including the division of fractions, to strategically allocate resources. Through this project, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enhance their self-directed learning, and foster a sense of community and belonging. This experience will also involve interaction with community partners, such as parents with event planning expertise, to enrich the learning process and ensure a successful celebration.

Learning goals

Students will apply arithmetic operations, including the division of fractions, to develop a detailed budget for a Christmas party. They will strategically use tools such as calculators and spreadsheets to organize financial data. Through collaboration with peers and community partners, students will construct and critique budget plans, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, students will engage in self-directed learning, using feedback to refine their budgeting strategies, and develop an academic mindset by reflecting on their role in the community and the impact of their contributions.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5 - Use appropriate tools strategically.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Practice.MP7 - Look for and make use of structure.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Practice.MP3 - Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a detailed budget plan and event proposal for the Christmas party, incorporating cost estimates for decorations, food, and entertainment. They will develop a presentation to share their plan with peers and community partners, using visual aids to illustrate their budgeting strategies and party ideas. Additionally, students will craft personalized invitations for the cleaning staff, ensuring each invitation reflects the gratitude and appreciation for their hard work.

Launch

To kick off the project, students will participate in a festive brainstorming session where they will share their ideas for creating a memorable Christmas party for the cleaning staff. This session will take place in a classroom decorated with holiday themes to inspire creativity. Students will then form small groups to discuss and list potential party elements, such as food, decorations, and entertainment, while considering budget constraints. Each group will present their initial ideas, fostering a collaborative environment where students can critique and build upon each other's suggestions.

Exhibition

Students will host a festive Christmas party for the cleaning staff, showcasing their budgeting and planning skills. They will present their budget plans, detailing how they strategically used resources to create a meaningful event within financial constraints. The exhibition will include a presentation of their decision-making process, highlighting the structure and reasoning behind their choices. Parents and community members, especially those with event planning experience, will be invited to attend and provide feedback, fostering a sense of community and celebration of the students' achievements.