Math Heroes: Solving Local Challenges!

5th Grade Project 2 weeks

Budget Busters: Field Trip Math Challenge!

Jodi Antje Garrington

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Purpose

The project aims to engage Grade 5 students in using mathematics to solve real-world problems by creating a budget for a class field trip. Students will work collaboratively to research costs, calculate expenses, and make decisions about how to allocate funds effectively. This hands-on experience will enhance their understanding of mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, while also developing their critical thinking and teamwork skills.

Learning goals

Students will apply mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to create and manage a budget for a class field trip. They will work collaboratively to research costs, make decisions, and present their budget plans. By engaging in this project, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and demonstrate an understanding of real-world financial literacy concepts.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.5: Fluently multiply multi-digit whole numbers using the standard algorithm.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.B.7: Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used.
Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.OA.A.1: Use parentheses, brackets, or braces in numerical expressions, and evaluate expressions with these symbols.

Products

Students will collaboratively create a detailed budget plan for a class field trip, including cost estimates for transportation, meals, and activities. They will use spreadsheets to organize and calculate expenses, presenting their findings in a visual chart or graph. Each group will also prepare a short presentation to share their budget proposal with the class, highlighting their mathematical strategies and decision-making process.

Launch

Kick off the project with a virtual tour of potential field trip locations, highlighting costs associated with each option. Engage students in a discussion about what makes a field trip enjoyable and educational, and introduce the concept of budgeting. Have students brainstorm initial ideas for fundraising activities and expenses, encouraging them to think about how math will play a role in planning the trip.

Exhibition

Students will collaboratively create a detailed budget plan for a class field trip, using mathematical strategies to allocate funds for transportation, meals, and activities. They will present their budget proposals to the class, using visual aids such as charts or graphs to illustrate their calculations and decision-making process. This presentation can be shared with parents and school staff in a "Budget Fair," where students explain their reasoning and receive feedback on their plans.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to Budgeting - Facilitate a discussion on what a budget is and why it's important for planning a field trip. Use a virtual tour of potential field trip locations to spark interest and provide context for costs associated with different options.	Activity 2: Research and Data Collection - Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific cost category (e.g., transportation, meals, activities). Have students research real-world costs using provided resources or guided internet searches, noting down relevant information in a shared document.	Activity 3: Mathematical Calculations - Guide students to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to calculate estimated costs in their assigned category. Encourage students to use spreadsheets to input data and perform calculations, providing an opportunity to practice using formulas.	Activity 4: Brainstorm Fundraising Ideas - In their groups, students brainstorm potential fundraising activities to cover the costs of the field trip. Encourage creative thinking and have students estimate how much money each fundraising idea could realistically generate.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Each group submits a list of researched costs in their assigned category, including detailed calculations and any assumptions made. This should be presented in a spreadsheet format. 2. Deliverable 2: A list of fundraising ideas with estimated revenue potential for each activity, documented in a shared class document.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange virtual tours of potential field trip locations and prepare a brief introduction to budgeting for the discussion. 2. Prep Task 2: Compile a list of reliable resources and websites for students to use during the research phase, ensuring access to real-world data. 3. Prep Task 3: Set up spreadsheets with basic templates for each group to use, including columns for cost categories, estimated costs, and formulas for calculations. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare guidelines and examples of effective fundraising activities to inspire and guide student brainstorming sessions.

Week 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Activity 1: Budget Analysis and Decision Making - Have each group present their researched costs and fundraising ideas to the class. Facilitate a discussion where students analyze the feasibility of costs and fundraising ideas, make decisions on necessary adjustments, and finalize their budget plans.	Activity 2: Budget Presentation Preparation - Guide students in creating a visual presentation of their finalized budget plan. Encourage the use of charts or graphs to depict their calculations and decision-making process. Assist students in preparing a short oral presentation to explain their budget to the class.	Activity 3: Rehearsal and Peer Feedback - Allow groups to practice their presentations and provide opportunities for peer feedback. Encourage constructive feedback focusing on clarity, mathematical accuracy, and persuasiveness of the budget proposal.	Activity 4: Final Presentation and Reflection - Have each group present their budget proposals in a 'Budget Fair' setting to the class, teachers, and possibly parents or school staff. After presentations, facilitate a reflective discussion on what they learned about budgeting and how mathematics played a role in their planning.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Finalized budget plan with visual aids, including charts or graphs, submitted as a digital presentation. 2. Deliverable 2: Oral presentation delivered at the 'Budget Fair', showcasing the group's budget proposal and mathematical strategies.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Arrange access to presentation tools and resources (e.g., computers, projectors, and presentation software) for students to create their visual aids. 2. Prep Task 2: Develop a rubric or checklist for the presentation and peer feedback session, focusing on key elements such as clarity, mathematical accuracy, and effectiveness of the budget proposal. 3. Prep Task 3: Organize logistics for the 'Budget Fair', including inviting parents or school staff and setting up a schedule for group presentations. 4. Prep Task 4: Prepare reflection prompts or questions to guide the post-presentation discussion, emphasizing learning outcomes and financial literacy concepts.