While students should be encouraged to find what they need for projects, focusing on creativity, using recyclables etc, sometimes something is needed that has to be purchased. There are so many authentic lessons that can be included in this process. Giving students a budget to work with is not only a great way to use and reinforce math, it also makes students aware of what they are spending, what they really need, and creative ways to get what they need.
When building dioramas, several fourth graders were adamant that they needed modeling clay. We approached this by telling them that the teachers were willing to put up $10 to buy clay. $10 for the entire class. The students searched on line and realized that even finding the best price, that was not a lot of clay for 30 students. After some discussion and problem solving, the kids decided to make their own clay. They still needed to buy materials to make clay, but the $10 provided by teachers was more than enough to get the materials they needed.
The authentic experience even moved into the science of color mixing as they bought food coloring to dye the clay the colors they needed. And it also moved into the authentic discussion of, and research about, what was the best laundry detergent to try to get red food coloring out of my white skirt. Sigh…
The Educational Journey 