Learn to Earn

Students will multiply and divide whole numbers and decimals with 2-digit multipliers or divisors.

Related Subject Grade Level

Language Arts 4 - 5

National Career Development Guidelines

Participate in ongoing, lifelong learning experiences to enhance your ability to function effectively in a diverse and changing economy.

Materials/Supplies

Paper, pen/pencil

Activity

Begin by telling students that money earned in jobs is often influenced by the amount of education/skills you have (examples below). Entry-level wages are approximately:

Non high school graduate - FAST FOOD WORKER = $6.15/hr.

High school graduate DENTAL ASSISTANT = $11.00/hr.

Two-year college graduate GRAPHIC DESIGNER = $15.35/hr.

Four-year college graduate - DIETICIAN = $19/hr.

Masters degree SPEECH PATHOLOGIST= $23.90/hr.

Have students pick a career from the above (or similar) list.

Using their math skills, have students estimate the daily salary for an 8-hour day. Have them estimate the weekly salary for a 40-hour week.

Have students discuss salaries and other advantages or disadvantages to education and skill training.

Extension

Have students assist you in creating a bar chart that compares the number of occupations in 3-4 wage ranges or degree required.

Evaluation

Evaluate each student's computation of salary for an 8-hour day as well as participation in class discussion.