by Sarah Gallipoli
East Shore Middle School
Milford, CT

 

 
It's Time to Plan a Party!!! 

 

 

Your older sibling is turning 16 in a few months, and you are helping to plan a surprise party.  Twenty of your sibling's friends are invited.  Your parents are taking care of the food, and your task is to purchase the following items:  invitations, balloons, plates, cups, napkins, party favors, plus any other decorations you have money left over for.  You have fifty dollars to spend, so shop wisely! 

 
Your tasks:

1.  Choose what supplies you will need and the quantity necessary for the twenty people attending the party.
2.  Complete the spreadsheet to determine supplies and costs.
3.  In a paragraph, explain what supplies you chose and what your costs were.  Then, tell why you made those choices.

 
Activity 1: 
  • Visit the two online party supply stores to obtain prices for the items you need. iparty,  Party Pro
  • Compare the prices for the items from both stores by using the spreadsheet provided below.  Don't forget to add shipping and handling prices.  You need to calculate the sales tax for your purchases.  Visit CT Sales tax
  • Now calculate the total price for each store and determine where you will buy your supplies.

 
Item iparty Party Pro
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
Subtotal    
Shipping and Handling    
Subtotal    
CT Sales Tax    
Total    

 
 
Activity 2:
 
  • In paragraph form, explain where you chose to buy your party supplies.  Why did you choose that particular store (i.e. were the supplies better, less expensive, etc.)?  How much money did you spend?  Did you have any money left?

 
Assessment Rubric:
The spreadsheet is fully completed and accurate. 20 points
Calculations for supplies, tax, and shipping & handling are completed accurately. 40 points
The paragraph provides specific details supporting choices.  The paragraph is also edited for spelling and grammar. 40 points

 
Lesson Objectives:

Upon completion of this learning unit, students will demonstrate the ability to multiply whole numbers and decimals.  They will apply shipping & handling costs plus state sales tax in a real life situation.  Students will also demonstrate the ability to work within a given budget.

CT Framework - Math 5-8 (CT Frameworks ): Students will use mathematical skills and concepts with proficiency and confidence, and appreciate the power and utility of mathematics as a discipline and as a tool for solving problems.  Performance Standard 1 (Number Sense) and Performance Standard 2 (Operations)