Law enforcement careers: Working with decimals

In this lesson for grade 6, students will perform basic math operations with decimals and will understand how math is used in law enforcement careers.

An activity for grade 6 Mathematics

By Kim Abrams, Mike McDowell, and Barbara Strange

Provided by CareerStart

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CareerStart lessons: Grade six

This collection of lessons aligns the sixth grade curriculum in math, science, English language arts, and social studies with potential career opportunities.

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Related topics

• Learn more about careers, decimals, law enforcement, mathematics, and police.

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Learning outcomes

Students will perform the basic math operations with decimals and will understand how they relate to careers in law enforcement.

Teacher planning

Materials needed

• Student handouts:
  • Small group discussion questions
  • “To Protect and Serve”
• Instructor answer key

Time required for lesson

One class period

Procedure

1. This lesson requires that students know some basic background information about law enforcement careers. Introduce the topic of law enforcement careers, and be sure that students know the following:
   • Most police officers receive relatively low pay, and most police agencies are under-staffed. Police officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve the community.
   • Police officers measure drivers’ speeds using radar or Vascar. These two methods will be discussed in the student activity.
   • The phrase “serving an execution” is also used in the student activity. This refers to a law enforcement officer going to a business or residence to collect on an unpaid bond. For example, if the bond is for $20,000 then the company may settle for a percentage of it. The officers can enter the home or business and collect property at that value, sell it at an auction, and give the money back to the bonding company.
2. Break students into small groups and pass out the small group discussion questions. Have the groups to talk about the questions.
3. As a whole class, discuss responses to the questions.
4. Independent practice: Have students complete “To Protect and Serve” handout.