Party Planning Math Project: Use a Budget, Add Decimals and Make a Theme
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Description
In this short unit students will use real world math by working within a budget, adding decimals and then creating a theme for their proposed party. Using the attached budget sheet, flyers from the grocery store and a little cash upfront from you (or from your students), students create the best party that they can with the limitations they have. This is a perfect end of the year project!
In this motivating problem-solving math project, students brainstorm their ideas, research and plan the costs involved with planning a party, create a poster of their ideal party, and then vote on the best one in the class. The student who wins must throw the party! I will often schedule this project so that it coincides with one of our typical party days: Fall Party, Winter Party or that day before Spring Break. It would also make a great end of the year party project.
The math project is planned out step by step for 3 class periods, and then they work independently to make a party proposal. Depending on the level of your students, the independent time could take 1-2 weeks. The project differentiates naturally. Gifted students will add considerable detail into their event, while students who struggle can work with you in small groups to create a more manageable plan. This math project also tests the perseverance of your students and precision of their work. This project is aligned to the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice.
This math project includes:
1. Structured lessons with instructions and photos of the project
2. A one page student project sheet to promote reading in math
3. Brainstorming graphic organizer
4. Budget and supply list organizer
5. Exit slips as a formative assessment
6. Reflection sheet for the end of the project
7. Rubric for assessing final project
This is a great math project to really embed those Standards for Mathematical Practice into your classroom.
If you like math projects, check out:
Elementary Architects - Design Blueprints and Explore Area
Mini Golf Course Geometry - A Math Project for Designing and Build
The Wind Powered Car - A Cross Curricular Stem Project
