Link(s) to the Saskatchewan Mathematics Curriculum:

• Expand and demonstrate understanding of the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of decimals to greater numbers of decimal places, and the order of operations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between positive decimals, positive fractions (including mixed numbers, proper fractions and improper fractions), and whole numbers.
• Demonstrate an understanding of addition and subtraction of integers, concretely, pictorially, and symbolically.

Brief Overview of the Lesson:

The students will play a game on the Internet called “Math at the Mall.” This real life simulation game will give the students practice solving a variety of problems. They will visit a bank, a café, a toy store, and a gym. Using numeric operations, they must find percentages, use fractions, calculate tax, compare prices and make the correct change.

Estimated Time Required for Implementation:

One class period

Materials Needed:

Computers

Suggested Implementation Strategy:

• Ask your students to raise their hands if they like going a mall.
• Tell your students to find a partner and open the following web link.
• They are to choose a character and spend the class period visiting a virtual mall. http://www.mathplayground.com/mathatthemall1.html

Options for Consideration:

• Students may do this activity alone.
• The teacher may use a Smart Board and make this a class activity.

Possible Links to the Home Program:

• Age 11–13 — What Kind of Spender Are You?
• Age 14–16 — Tracking Expenses and Managing Money

Extended Learning Opportunities:

• Put the students in groups and ask them to brainstorm what costs would need to be considered if they opened a café or a gym.
• Let the students experience running a coffee shop on their own at: http://www.coolmath-games.com/0-coffee-shop/index.html