Activity Title - "Sales Savvy - A Bargain or Not?"

Goal/Objective

Students will use fractions and decimals in real-life situations involving money.

Lesson Outline

Review conversion of fractions to decimals. Use this in two-step operation involving money.

Introduction

Review decimals, percent, fractions conversions. Explain how these are used in determining the best dollar value.

Activity

Students are given "holiday sales" ads from two different department stores. They will find three similar items, found in both ads, and determine the price of each, based on advertising in sales promotion ads. The total of these three items must come to more than $50.00. Compare store totals to determine which ad offers the better bargain.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

Students compare items purchased and their results.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

• "Holiday Sales" ads from two major department stores
• Calculator
• Notebook paper and pencil

Extension Activity

Have the students write a letter to either the "winning" or "losing" store, detailing their findings and conclusion.

ESE Accommodations

Real-Life Connection

This type of "sales savvy" is used on a daily basis by consumers.

Activity Title - "Sales Savvy - A Bargain or Not?"

Introduction

Say: I brought some "holiday sales" ads from 2 department stores - enough for you to have a copy of both. I am going to give you a few minutes to look them over to see which 3 similar items you will compare. Notice that one store features coupons that give an additional 20% off the already-reduced sale price. A different store ad says: "Take $10.00 off a purchase that totals $50.00 or more." How do you know where to shop to get the better bargain? Use your calculator and "know-how" in converting percent to decimals to find your answers.

Main Activity

Students look over newspaper ads. Say: Your challenge is to determine how much three similar items will cost at each store.(e.g. - blouses, shorts, jeans, etc.) Don't forget to include in your calculation the coupons for extra percent off. Make sure the three items total at least $50.00. Record what you bought and how much each item cost, as well as the total spent.

Closure/Conclusion

Say: Which store will save you more? How much more?

Have students compare purchases and math calculations.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

Have the students compose a letter to either the "winning" or the "losing" store, detailing their findings and conclusion.