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High School Grade  Project 1 week

Math on the Big Screen

Micaela C
Updated
HS.S-MD.B.7
HS.S-MD.B.5
HS.S-MD.B.5.a
HS.S-MD.B.5.b
HS.A-SSE.B.4
+ 3 more
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Purpose

Investigate the essential question, “What mathematical relationships can explain why some movies earn more profit than others?” Begin with an Opening Weekend Dash, using quick calculations to predict which real movie release will earn the most profit. Analyze probability, expected payoff, competing strategies, and finite geometric series, then create an exhibition-ready display featuring charts, calculations, and a written conclusion. Finish with a brief individual reflection explaining how your math answered the essential question and identifying one growth area in problem-solving, persistence, or communication.

Learning goals

You will use probability, payoff values, and expected value to compare movie-release strategies and predict which film is most likely to earn the greatest profit. You will model changing box-office revenue with a finite geometric series and analyze how budgets, opening-weekend results, and uncertain outcomes affect profit. You will begin with an Opening Weekend Dash, then create an exhibition-ready display featuring accurate charts, calculations, and a written conclusion that answers, “What mathematical relationships can explain why some movies earn more profit than others?” You will communicate your reasoning clearly and record an individual reflection explaining how the math supported your conclusion and identifying one growth area in problem-solving, persistence, or communication.

Standards
  • [Colorado] HS.S-MD.B.7 - (+) Analyze decisions and strategies using probability concepts (e.g., product testing, medical testing, pulling a hockey goalie at the end of a game).
  • [Colorado] HS.S-MD.B.5 - (+) Weigh the possible outcomes of a decision by assigning probabilities to payoff values and finding expected values.
  • [Colorado] HS.S-MD.B.5.a - Find the expected payoff for a game of chance. *For example, find the expected winnings from a state lottery ticket or game at a fast-food restaurant.*
  • [Colorado] HS.S-MD.B.5.b - Evaluate and compare strategies on the basis of expected values. *For example, compare a high-deductible versus a low-deductible automobile insurance policy using various, but reasonable, chances of having a minor or major accident.*
  • [Colorado] HS.A-SSE.B.4 - Use the formula for the sum of a finite geometric series (when the common ratio is not 1) to solve problems. For example, calculate mortgage payments.
Competencies
  • 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.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

Begin with an “Opening Weekend Dash” prediction sheet comparing real movie-release scenarios through quick profit calculations. Create a movie decision model that assigns probabilities and payoff values, calculates expected profit, compares release strategies, and uses a finite geometric series to project declining weekly revenue. Assemble an exhibition-ready data display with charts, calculations, and a written conclusion answering, “What mathematical relationships can explain why some movies earn more profit than others?” Record a brief individual reflection explaining how your math answered the question and identifying one growth area in problem-solving, persistence, or communication.

Launch

Begin with an Opening Weekend Dash: review three real movie release scenarios with production costs, projected ticket revenue, and outcome probabilities, then make quick expected-profit calculations to choose the strongest release. Use your results to investigate, “What mathematical relationships can explain why some movies earn more profit than others?” Compare your prediction with a peer, revise your reasoning, and identify data you still need. Save your initial claim for your exhibition-ready data display, and record a brief reflection on how the math shaped your decision and one growth area in problem-solving, persistence, or communication.

Exhibition

Present your exhibition-ready data display as a three-minute “movie investor pitch” to peers, family members, or school staff, explaining which film should earn the most profit. Show your Opening Weekend Dash prediction, probability-based expected payoffs, finite geometric-series calculations, charts, and final conclusion to answer, “What mathematical relationships can explain why some movies earn more profit than others?” Invite each visitor to leave one question or feedback note, then discuss one response with a peer. Conclude by sharing a brief individual reflection on how your math answered the essential question and one growth area in problem-solving, persistence, or communication.