Goals:

To apply mathematical skills to solve problems using data brought in by the Navy speaker.

To create their own story problems.

Content Area:

Math - problem solving skills

Language Arts - writing skills to create own story problems

Materials:

Salary sheet of professionals on Navy ships

Data sheets containing number of workers on particular ships.

Procedure: (1 hour)

1) Using salary sheet supplied by Navy personnel, students will solve problems regarding hours worked/pay received.
 
a) If John is receiving a pay check every two weeks for $800.00, how much does he make a year?

b) Joe's hourly wage is $9.50. If he works 40 hours a week for 1 month, how much will he earn before taxes?

2) Then, from these examples and the information provided by the Navy, students will go on to create their own story problems.

3) Exchange story problems among students to analyze and try to solve.

Assessment:

The students knowledge and participation in this activity will be assessed through teacher and peer evaluations. Criteria for success: Students themselves will look to see if their peers successfully carried out a story problem with all elements represented as in the examples. Elements to look for include: Is this story problem clearly written? Does it provide all the necessary information to solve the problem?

Extensions:

This subject matter could also be used to incorporate a discussion on economics, inflation, and the difference between an hourly wage and a salary.

Making Waves - written by Jennifer Cannistra, Jamie Hanna, Michael LeRoy, & Kim Mongoven

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