Intended Audience:

8^th to 12th grade students.

Mathematics.

Objectives:

Students will actively apply logic and algebraic knowledge in a simulation of a real-world problem.  They will be introduced to the appropriate terminology for the lesson material and utilize various comprehension strategies.

At the end of this lesson set, students will be able to:

• Understand how to evaluate alternatives, including cost/benefit.
• Work with a budget.
• Present and substantiate their analyses.
• Fully understand the importance of specifying units when representing a value.

Prerequisite Knowledge:

Students are expected to have a solid understanding of basic arithmetic functions as well as exponents and the interpretation of mathematical operators and equations.  In addition, they have already experienced basic algebra and geometry.

In the interest of time, it is assumed that this is not the first class session in which this information has been presented.  Therefore, students have foundation level knowledge of the terms and process that will be briefly reviewed in the initial teacher presentation.

Learning Standards:

• Use of mathematical analysis to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.
• Applying mathematics in real-world settings.

Materials Needed:

Teacher resources:

• Overhead projector and/or blackboard.
• Copies of handout material.
• Colored markers for use with overhead projection.
• Handout materials.

Student materials:

• Notebooks, calculators, writing implements for recording class related information.

Procedures:

Task

Introduction

§         Agenda, advance organizer

§         Do-now or warm-up exercise

§         Distribution of handout and materials

§         Review of lesson scenario

Upon completion of this introduction, students will be familiar with the lesson objectives and will be ready to begin work.

Pre-Reading Perspective

Get students to think and ask questions about managing a construction project.  Set the frame of mind for examining alternatives and build an understanding of the concepts required to perform the appropriate mathematical operations.

Vocabulary Review

Students will engage in an “I have, who has?” exercise to review key terms from the reading passage.

Upon completion of this exercise, students will understand the trade-related terms that will enable them to comprehend and interpret the reading passage.

Group Exercise – Budgeting

Students will be given a fixed budget and a set of requirements and will be expected to prepare a statement of work to be completed on their cottage. 

Wrap-up and homework

• Review homework assignment
• Respond to inquiries
• Offer extra help and reiterate office hours
• Homework assignment review (options)