Project Information
What is this project and why are you doing it?
This is a data collection Global Learning Project. Students from around the world will be submitting information about some item in their lives that they use and how much it costs. A gallon of gas in the Dominican Republic costs over $5.00, but since the average Dominican only earns about $5-$10 per work day, a gallon of gas could cost almost a day's wages! I know this because last summer I asked my Dominican brother-in-law how much it cost to fill his gas tank and he had no idea! His eyes bulged out in surprise: who can afford to actually fill a gas tank on a car? I do not even think about it since it is easily affordable. He does not even consider it since it is out of his reach. I want your students to have this experience as they see how expensive the items we take for granted are for people in other poorer countries. What Will I Do? As a student, your role is simple. Go out to your marketplace or retail store and take a picture of something you would buy. |
Record the price. If you cannot take a picture, that is okay. Go to the Student Zone and fill out the Data Collection Worksheet to figure out how many hours it takes in your country to purchase that item. Report your results in the Project Gallery where it says, "Post Your Data Here!" And then wait for others to post. Read their posts and respond to what story the numbers are telling you about poverty and wealth in this world. Record your ideas and thoughts in the forum under Project Gallery that says, "Let's Analyze and Discuss Your Data!"
What Do I Hope You Will Learn? Wherever we live, there are those who have enough, and those who do not. Math tells this story in profound ways. Math measures, judges, and states reality. What have you found when you see how expensive something is for others and is something we take for granted in our country? How does that impact your life and view of the world? |