Subject: Math
Grade Level: 5-8
Website: http://www.bygpub.com/books/tg2rw/chap1excerpt.htm
Name of Activity: “Reality Bites”
Time Frame: Five days with 40-50 minute lessons
Links with Other Subjects: Reading, Language Arts, Technology, Social Studies
Resources/Materials:
Internal: (within school) Internet, newspaper(?), Occupational Handbook
External: (community: subject matter) Family Interviews, Phone Interviews, Guest Speakers
Desired Outcomes/Competencies:
1. The learner will research desired occupational preference and annual living expenses as compared to personal estimations done before research activities.
Description of the Process:
Lesson 1:
- What do you want to be/or where do you want to work? What will your selected occupation pay annually?
- Distribute blank spreadsheets
- Have students select occupation and estimate annual income. Also, have students estimate cost of living according to spreadsheet listings.
- Read story and have students fill in blanks on spreadsheet in actual category. (Raleigh)--Compare to estimated.
- Instruct students regarding Lesson 2
- Students are to obtain actual occupational salary estimates and living expense estimates through use of newspapers--(printed/outline), email, interviews, etc.
- Students will complete Lesson 2 instructions and compare/contrast original estimates with actual figures for both salaries and living expenses. Also, students will conduct interviews with parents regarding living costs of family and compare/contrast to original estimations.
- The learner will convert yearly estimated salary to monthly amount and learn to calculate “Take Home Pay” and formulate monthly budget.
- The learner will compare “Take Home Pay” based on selected occupation to monthly “Budget” and check for compatibility. If not compatible with expectations, what are choices? Discuss lifestyle-related expenses verses career goals.
