"Santa Monica: Solo Living on a Budget!"

Plan

High School Grade Project 2 weeks

"Santa Monica: Solo Living on a Budget!"

Nicole M

B12.4

10.11

B11.6

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

+ 1 more

1-pager

Purpose

Students will explore the real-world implications of living costs in Santa Monica, focusing on how these costs influence lifestyle choices for single adults. Through hands-on activities, community engagement, and critical reflection, students will develop essential financial literacy skills, such as budgeting and cost analysis, while considering broader economic and social factors. The project aims to foster a deeper understanding of personal and community impacts, encouraging students to think critically and creatively about housing and economic challenges in their local context.

Learning goals

Students will develop the ability to evaluate and compare the financial implications of living in Santa Monica, enhancing their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. They will learn to create and manage personal budgets using spreadsheet software, applying these skills to real-world scenarios. Through interactions with community partners and local experts, students will gain insights into economic factors affecting housing decisions and consumer rights. The project will also foster self-directed learning as students use feedback to refine their budget plans and reflect on their personal growth and understanding of the community's economic landscape.

Standards

[California] B12.4 - Review Truth in Lending legislation and California's Rosenthal Act related to consumers and their rights.
[California] 10.11 - Evaluate the factors that influence housing decisions.
[California] B11.6 - Calculate recipe costs and pricing per portion and compare the cost per cover to the theoretical cost.

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 produce a short documentary film, capturing interviews with local residents and business owners to explore the impact of living costs on their daily lives. They will also design and present creative infographics and art pieces for a 'Lifestyle Choices Gallery Walk,' illustrating the relationship between living costs and lifestyle choices. Additionally, students will develop and present a comprehensive budget plan for living in Santa Monica, incorporating real-world data and insights, and participate in a role-playing simulation as financial advisors. These products will be showcased in various formats to peers, local experts, and community members, fostering a deeper understanding of economic factors and lifestyle impacts.

Launch

Kick off the project with a 'Lifestyle Choices Fair' where students simulate various living scenarios in Santa Monica. Each student group sets up a booth representing different budget levels and lifestyle choices, complete with interactive activities and visual displays. This immersive experience allows students to explore the financial trade-offs and decisions they will encounter throughout the project, sparking curiosity and engagement from the outset.

Exhibition

Students will host a 'Lifestyle Choices Gallery Walk' at the school, transforming the space into an interactive exhibit that showcases their creative infographics and art pieces. Each display will illustrate the intricate relationship between living costs and lifestyle choices in Santa Monica. Peers, teachers, and community members will be invited to engage with the exhibits, sparking discussions and providing feedback. This event will serve as a platform for students to articulate their findings and insights, fostering a deeper understanding of economic impacts on personal and community life.