Mathematics for Everyone

Description of the activity:

Lesson 1: Application of Mathematical Concepts

Warm-up Activity (15 min): Percentage Calculation

To engage students in the activity, we recommend starting with a warm-up game that applies basic mathematical concepts through practical examples.

Review: Recap percentage calculation using practical examples.

• Example: "If an item initially costs 100 euros and is discounted by 20%, what will be the discounted price?"

• Guide students through calculating a 20% discount on 100 euros (20 euros), then determining the discounted price (80 euros).

Introduction to Context (15 min): Monthly Budget Management

The objective of this activity is to analyze, define, and solve a real-world problem, specifically managing a monthly budget for everyday expenses.

Introduction: Introduce the concept of a monthly budget.

• Example: "Each student receives an imaginary 'monthly budget' and must plan how to allocate money for expenses such as food, transportation, and leisure."

• Discussion on key aspects to consider in budget planning: basic needs vs. leisure, prioritizing expenses, balancing different spending categories.

Group Work (30 min): Monthly Budget Planning

Divide the class into small groups. Students in each group will collaborate to plan a monthly budget.

• Roles: Assign specific roles within each group (e.g., food expenses manager, transportation manager, etc.).

• Use percentage and proportion concepts to allocate a percentage of the budget to each expense category.

• Each group prepares a brief presentation to illustrate their budget plan to the class.

• Encourage discussion and shared decision-making within the group.

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Lesson 2: Stimulating Critical Thinking

Discussion of Results (30 min): Group Presentations

Each group presents their budget plan to the class, explaining the decision-making process behind their choices.

• Facilitate discussion on the different strategies used by groups, comparing various spending proportions and priorities identified.

• Reflect on budget management and the importance of making informed decisions based on financial limits and personal needs.

  
  

Problem Review (30 min): Discussion of Proposed Solutions and Introduction to Critical Thinking

Review the solutions proposed by various groups for the budget problem from the previous lesson.

• Discuss the different strategies and approaches used by groups to allocate the budget among different spending categories.

• Compare the decisions made and the implications of choices in different budget scenarios. Introduce concepts of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis.

• Engage students in a discussion using concepts of analysis (breaking down the problem), evaluation (judging available options), and synthesis (constructing a comprehensive solution) in the context of solving mathematical problems.

• Connect the problem-solving process in mathematics with the critical thinking skills necessary to tackle complex problems.

Output

• At the end of the work, the working groups will have produced posters/posters that will be made available to the class.

• Poster Presentation: Ask the working groups to display different models of monthly budgets for daily expenses.

Assessment:

Assessment will be based on active participation, quality of responses, ability to apply mathematical concepts in real-world situations, and clarity in critical reasoning. Collaboration during group activities will also be evaluated.

Final Notes:

This activity aims to integrate mathematics with critical thinking, encouraging collaboration and stimulating students to explore different perspectives in problem-solving. The use of realistic problems fosters a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and promotes critical thinking.