Math Standards Addressed
Common Core State Standards for Mathematics:
- Ratio and Proportional Relationships - 7.RP.3
3. Use proportional relationships to solve multistep ratio and percent
problems. Examples: simple interest, tax, markups and markdowns,
gratuities and commissions, fees, percent increase and decrease, percent
error.
2007 Mississippi Mathematics Framework
- Number and Operations - 1g
1. Apply concepts of rational numbers and perform basic operations
emphasizing the concepts of ratio, proportion, and percent with and without
the use of calculators.
g. Solve real-life problems involving unit price, unit rate, sales price, sales tax,
discount, simple interest, commission, and rates of commission. (DOK 1)
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
This WebQuest addresses the Problem Solving, Communication, Connections, and Representation Process Standards from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
Focal Point
The main focus of this WebQuest is percentages, sales tax, and discounts. I would introduce this WebQuest at the end of the unit as a fun closing activity. This activity requires critical thinking on the students' part and also relates percentages, discounts, and sales tax to the real world. Most middle school students should have the ability to complete this task since with today's technology many of them have most likely shopped online. This activity will also be a great, fun way to assess what the student actually learned during the unit.
Resources
Students will need the use of computers since this is a virtual shopping spree. You could easily put students in groups to do this activity together if there is a limited number of computers.
References
MississippiDepartment of Education, Office of Curriculum and Instruction. (2007). 2007 mississippi mathematics frameworkrevised. Retrieved from website: http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/acad/id/curriculum/math/index.htm
Council ofChief State School Officers, National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. (2010). Common corestate standards for mathematics. Retrieved from National Governors Association Center forBest Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers website: http://www.corestandards.org/
NationalCouncil of Teachers of Mathematics. (No date). Process standards. Retrieved from website: http://www.nctm.org/standards/content.aspx?id=32
