Maths to munch on
This is a level 3 measurement and number activity from the Figure It Out theme series. It focuses on calculating costs using addition, multiplication and division. A PDF of the student activity is included.
About this resource
Figure It Out is a series of 80 books published between 1999 and 2009 to support teaching and learning in New Zealand classrooms.
This resource provides the teachers’ notes and answers for one activity from the Figure It Out series. A printable PDF of the student activity can be downloaded from materials that come with this resource.
Specific learning outcomes:
- Calculate costs using addition, multiplication and division.
Maths to munch on
Achievement objectives
GM3-1: Use linear scales and whole numbers of metric units for length, area, volume and capacity, weight (mass), angle, temperature, and time.
NA3-1: Use a range of additive and simple multiplicative strategies with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Required materials
- Figure It Out, Level 3, Theme: At Camp, "Maths to munch on", pages 6-7
- a classmate
- a calculator
See Materials that come with this resource to download:
- Maths to munch on (.pdf)
Activity
Ask students to bring along empty cereal packets, cans, and containers to help them estimate how much of each item they will need to cater for the camp. Students may need to telephone, fax, email, or visit a local supermarket to become familiar with quantities. For example, the number of slices of luncheon sausage in 800 grams or how many carrots in 1 kilogram will be useful information.
Before students begin developing their menu, remind them that the timetable involves a tramp day and a cookout. They will need to include a cut lunch for the tramp day and food that is easy to cook over an open fire for the cookout. The actual menu is a matter of discretion, although students will need to ensure that the campers eat plenty of cereal, bread, fruit, and vegetables to meet the requirements of the food pyramid supplied on page 7.
A computer spreadsheet would be a useful way to keep track of the quantities and cost of each food. It could be set out like this:
|
A |
B |
C |
D |
E |
F |
G |
H |
1 |
Item |
Cost |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Total cost |
2 |
Muesli 1 kg |
$6.15 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
$67.65 |
3 |
Loaf of bread |
$2.25 |
8 |
6 |
6 |
10 |
6 |
$81.00 |
The formula for the total cost column in H2 is
=sum(C2:G2)*B2] |
The formula in the total cost column can be copied into each cell in that column by using the Fill Down function. This function works on the information in each row to give the total cost of each row. When the total cost column is complete, the amounts can be added using the “sum” formula.
Answers will vary.
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