Percent problem solving

Students apply their knowledge of fractions, decimals, and percents to understand the relationship amongst the three. Students will solve basic percent number problems using the percent proportion or other methods and play a game using a resource of the Shodor Education Foundation, Inc. Permission has been granted to use the materials as part of the Interactivate Your Bored Math Students workshop. Students will also analyze and explain the results of their game by answering two exploration questions.

A lesson plan for grades 6–7 Mathematics

By Victoria Lunetta

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

• successfully convert numbers from one form to another using fractions, decimals, and percents.
• use the percent proportion or other method to solve basic percent number problems.
• analyze and explain their mathematical reasoning.
• use given resources on the Internet responsibly.
• work cooperatively with their peers.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

55 Minutes

Materials/resources

• percent notes and practice: one copy for each student, one on transparency
• calculator
• pencil and paper
• exploration questions worksheet from the Shodor Education Foundation, Inc.

Technology resources

This lesson requires one or more computers with internet access. A lab is preferable so that students can work in pairs. If a lab is not available, this activity can be done in a classroom with one or more computers.

Pre-activities

Students should already understand the meaning of fractions, decimals, and percents and how they relate to one another. Students should be familiar with the Internet, understand how to access bookmarked sites, and use it responsibly.

Activities

1. The class begins by briefly reviewing the definitions and pictures of fractions, decimals, and percents. (5 mins.)
2. The students and teacher will then review the problem-solving notes together. The percent proportion will be explored as one possible problem-solving method. The teacher guides the students through the examples. Students should be encouraged to create their own strategies as well (10-15 mins.)
3. Students should practice the 5 given problems using a method with which they feel comfortable. (10 mins.)
4. The students will then pair up and go to a computer. They will play Fraction Four, a resource from the Shodor Education Foundation, Inc. Student and teacher instructions can be found at the same location. While playing the game, students will complete the exploration questions. (15-20 mins.)
5. To wrap up the class, students should discuss their exploration questions with their partners and with the whole group. If time does not allow for this, then the questions should be completed for homework and discussed during the next class.

Assessment

The assessment for this lesson is a 2-3 week project in which the students choose careers and receive starting salaries. With that information, they apply their knowledge of percent by completing activities that include, but are not limited to:

• calculating net income
• creating a monthly budget
• renting/buying a home
• buying a car
• investing money in the stock market
• writing a point of view essay about budgets