by Jane Chamlin, Gemini Junior High
This WebQuest focuses on the many ways in which mathematics plays in integral part of buying and owning a car. Basic math skills are enforced throughout this activity.
Teacher Introduction
Want to get a bunch of antsy boys to do their math work for a week? Try out this WebQuest. Earlier this year, a self-contained special education teacher came up with this project idea to get his students engaged in math class. It worked quite well. I've shared stories of his success with other teachers who expressed an interest in having gifted elementary students work on it as well.
The math computations that the students are asked to complete are very basic, but the context of the assignment adds a little spark. If you wanted to make this a bit more challenging, you could create a computation synthesis worksheet asking students to add up the total expeditures for the year, and then find out a monthly or daily cost for car ownership.