Spreading Christmas Cheer Using Spreadsheets

Spreading Christmas Cheer Using Spreadsheets

SUBJECT:

Mathematics

GRADE LEVEL:

4-6

OBJECTIVES:

1. TLW learn how to estimate prices of items


2. TLW use Christmas catalogs to search for the costs of wanted items


3. TLW use problem solving strategies and the spreadsheet to find out what can be purchased

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:

• Several computers


• Spreadsheet Template


• Several Christmas catalogs and advertisements

ACTIVITIES:

1. Find out if anyone has been Christmas shopping. Have the children write down what they or their family would like to have. for Christmas


2. Make sure that the children understand how to use the spreadsheet template. Tell them that they have $200.00 to spend and that they should get as close to that amount as possible without going over.


3. Knowing the items that they will purchase, have them estimate how much the item will cost. They should put a star beside the things that they think will cause them to go over their budget. Once they have entered the list into the spreadsheet, they should look at the total. If they have gone over their budget, they should remove those item(s) from the list.


4. Once they have completed their estimation, they should look up the actual costs in the catalogs or advertisements and enter those costs into the spreadsheet. After they have completed the actual cost of the purchases, they should determine whether they can add additional items to the list. If they cannot add to their list, they have done an excellent job of estimating.

FOLLOW-UP:

Evaluation will be performed by seeing whether or not the students were able to complete the estimation. An extension activity would include have the students check several advertisement and catalog to see if they can get a better deal on their purchases. Once they complete this activity, have them record their new information into a second spreadsheet, and write letter to Santa on the Internet about what they would like for Christmas. His email address is "http://www.ncr.fi/mp/rec/santa/claus.htm." They should tell him how much money that they save him by shopping around for the best deals.