Pumped Up Gas Prices Lesson Plan Information | Lesson Plan Activities | Printable version (including handouts) (PDF)

Standard: Use Math to Solve Problems and Communicate Outcomes Students will keep track of mileage and gasoline amounts for one month and calculate miles per gallon, representing information by creating a spreadsheet. Graphs will be created based on average gas prices over time.

Classroom Information

GED Descriptors:      Science , Math Roles:      Family, Worker, Community Member Program Type(s)      ABE, GED, Family Literacy, Urban, Rural, Corrections NRS Learner levels (ABE/GED)       3, 4, 5, 6 Time frame:      2.0 to 6.0 hours

Keywords

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Standard: Use Math to Solve Problems and Communicate

Component of Performance How activity addresses component Understand, interpret, and work with pictures, numbers, and symbolic information. Finding unit rate is introduced by students practicing ratio and proportion and learning the miles per gallon (mpg) simple formula. Data is collected and put into spreadsheets and graphs. Apply knowledge of mathematical concepts and procedures to figure out how to answer a question, solve a problem, make a prediction, or carry out a task that has a mathematical dimension Problem solving strategies and predictions are completed about travel situations and discussions are held involving average gas prices. Division is performed when finding the unit rate of mpg. Define and select data to be used in solving the problem Students practice solving word problems by determining the appropriate data and using it to reach the answer. Determine the degree of precision required by the situation Exactness when using gallons to the nearest tens/hundreds or whole numbers. Solve problem using appropriate quantitative procedures and verify the results are reasonable The process of finding the answer is as important to student understanding as actually getting the answer. Students verify answers as they work through the mathematical processes. Communicate results using a variety of mathematical representations, including graphs, charts, tables, and algebraic models Students convey information learned by writing down answers and having discussions about their work. Creating spreadsheets and graphs provide a visual representation of their learning.

Purposeful, Transparent, Building Expertise

Purposeful and Transparent The teacher is explicit about the process of calculating miles per gallon so students understand more than the procedure, but understand the reasoning behind the formula. Contextual Students need to be able to use math skills and apply them to real life situations to make decisions about gas prices and usage. Building Expertise The concept of ratio and proportion forms the foundation for determining unit rate and must precede an understanding of mpg.

Lesson Designer Jackie Hamlett Literacy and Educational Technology Consultant (217) 3989933 jham5325@aol.com

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