Consumer Math Using Real World Applications: Math Isn't Boring - Math Is Alive!

CONSUMER MATH is the first class of its kind, seeking to enhance the knowledge and understanding of how, where, when and why different math applications, computations, are used and applied in real-world situations by people every day.  During our 12 weeks of instruction, we will explore and learn a variety of math concepts to help to fuel ones’ understanding, performance and personal acceptance to the need and usefulness of mathematics in everyday life. 

Together, we’ll explore…

Measurements: area & perimeters, length, width, volume, distance
Money: conversions, exchanges, value, costs & expenses, taxes, tips & gratuities
Elapsed Time: travel, distance, 
Percentages: costs per unit, dollar menu vs bulk
Costs of Loans: Compound & Simple Interest
Price/cost averaging: sales, discounts, value, expenses
Reading of graphs, charts and diagrams


And much more.

My aim is to create a positive environment which is necessary to establish a firm foundation and build upon positive experiences while allowing for natural consequences and temporary setbacks.  Students will be met at their own math levels upon entry and be encouraged to explore math lessons for themselves while utilizing the basic applications and computation skills in a variety of different consumer areas.

Homework assignments will be given each week and students will be expected to report on personal progress each week; either within the classroom message center or during class sharing time. Questions will be encouraged and students will be encouraged to participate in class discussions. There will be no formal grading system used outside of the students’ grasp of the concepts and their application within real-world situations. As a class "family," we will share our wins and discuss our setbacks and discover strategies for overcoming obstacles that stand between us and the concept understanding that we are striving for. 


Student progress will be measured through personal attainment of real-world application and a progress chart will be provided for students and parents to review throughout the course of this class. When necessary, additional worksheets and assignments may be provided to assist a student and their parent to further explore the concepts of the instructional material

The skills and strategies learned throughout this class will be ones that students can use and maintain for the rest of their lives. Learning to implement these skills and strategies at a young age will allow for greater success and achievements in any field of study or business venture throughout life. 
 
WEEKS:  (note: the teacher reserves the right to adjust the class order of topics as needed to best facilitate as determined by the class enrollment for each session)
#1          MATH: The BIG Picture Who, What, Where, When, Why & How It’s Used

#2          Jobs, Paychecks & Taxes
		Time computations, hourly cost of time, reading tables, charts and graphs, 
figuring taxes and withholdings, budgeting
		
#3          A Trip To The Grocery Store
		Price/cost averaging, percentages, volume, weight, discounts, sales & bargains, 
costs per unit of measurement

#4          Math In The Kitchen
		Measurements: mass/weight, capacity, volume, standard & metric
		Temperature: Fahrenheit & Celsius  
		Time: hours, minutes, elapsed time

#6          Going Out To Eat: Fast Food, A Family Dinner or a Fancy Restaurant 
		Tax, tips & gratuity, percentages, price/cost averaging 
	
#7          Painting A Room or Getting The Carpets Cleaned
		Area & Perimeter: length, width, height, cost per unit

#8          Planning A Family Outing or Vacation
		Time zones, elapsed time, budgeting, 

#9          Money & Banking
		Worldwide currencies, exchange rates, interest rates, fees, and value/expense, 
loans & investments

#10        Credit Cards & Financing 
		Compound interest, fees, loans, cost over time, short-term wants vs long-term needs

#11        Buying Big-Ticket Items: Car, Boat, TV, House, College 
		Compound interests, loans, taxes, wants vs. needs, consumer cost averaging 

#12        Profiles of Professions & The Math They Use
		Entrepreneurs, Clowns, Musicians, Artists, Doctors, Street Sweepers,
		Truck Drivers, Engineers, Gamers & Game Designers, Pro Athletes,
		Plumber, Wind Turbine Technicians,  Computer Security Analysts, etc… 
Plus 
              The Future of Math In Your Life and 90-Day Wrap - Up
		Preparations for College, Computers, Cryptocurrencies, Internet, and more…