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GOAL:
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To teach fundamental, everyday mathematics through a project oriented approach. To utilize an interdisciplinary method which brings mathematics, the Internet and basic map reading together in a fun and interesting long-term (probably at least two weeks) project.

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INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVE:
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The student will...

Learn and practice basic mathematical skills and concepts such as fractions/conversions, scale measurement, rate problems, estimation, budgeting, checkbook writing and record keeping.

Learn and practice non-mathematical skills and concepts such as map reading, team-work, research methods (indluding the Internet), creative writing, word processing and time management.

Have Fun!

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INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES:
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The teacher will...

Provide training and instruction in some of the above-mentioned skills and concepts at the introduction of the project. Lead students through the beginning of the Virtual Vacation course and provide examples of how work should be done and how forms should be filled out.

Facilitate student work and provide support over the rest of the project. Grade and return student assignments in a timely manner so as to provide immediate feedback on student understanding and where problem areas lie.

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MATERIALS:
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1. Rulers

2. Maps of each state students will pass through on their trip (with scales clearly shown and roads clearly marked) (students should be able to write on these)

3. Internet access easily available to at least one member from each team on an ongoing basis

4. Word Processing Software for students' final summary project

5. Colored pencils or thin tipped markers (pencils are better)

6. Multiple forms for students and teacher

A. Blank checks to pay for food, fuel, lodging, etc.

B. Example check for students to use as a template

C. Checkbook ledger for keeping track of checks & deposits

D. Food Slips: List prices for breakfast and dinner at different restaurants throughout the trip.

E. Fuel Slips: List prices for fuel at different gas stations throughout the trip.

F. Journal Entry Forms: Containing questions for students to answer for each section of the trip. Questions such as how many miles traveled, time it took, fuel used, where students stayed, attractions seen, etc.

G. Example Journal Entry Form: To show students exactly how to fill out the form and what information should be provided.

H. Grading sheets and supporting information forms: For teacher to keep track of grading of checks, checkbook, journal forms, etc.

I. Course Syllabus which details expectations of the course, grading requirements, stipulations and final project details.


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STUDENT PRACTICE:
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The Student will...

Pair off in teams of two and plan a complete trip throught a number of US states including generating their travel route, measuring and converting their distances to miles, finding lodging and attractions, paying for food and fuel and journaling all of their experiences. They must assume that they are a couple and are bringing along to elementary age children.

Throughout each section of the trip from one city to the next, students will have to utilize and practice conversions, map reading, scale measurement, Internet and other research methods, check writing and checking account management.

The more destination cities within the course, the more practice the students will receive in these areas. Use your own discretion.

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SUPPLEMENTAL ACTIVITY:
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You may wish to assign mathematics worksheets which provide extra practice in the objective areas.

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CLOSURE:
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Students will be required to put together a final summary project which pulls all of their information together into one final report including pictures, charts and graphs. Creativity is given extra weight in this portion of the course as they are asked to provide a 3/4 page journal of each section of the trip. Students are asked to be imaginative in describing their travels without getting carried away and being inappropriate.

If these summaries are imaginative enough, the teacher may wish to take the last day of the course to read a few of them to the class. They would probably get a kick out of it.

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I am providing the lesson plan you're currently reading free of charge because I know that you are more than capable of putting the program together yourself based on these instructions. But, I also know that you, like most teachers, probably don't have the time available to develop this program into what it can be.

You can create all of the necessary forms for this course yourself using any word processing and spreadsheet software. However, if you would like to spend more time thinking through the course itself and getting it implemented, you may wish to simply download these forms as well as detailed instructions for running the course from my website.

Since this course took me a great deal of time to put together (probably nearly 100 hours over the past couple of years), I'm not giving it away. It has taken a great deal of effort to get the forms just right and the grading scale just so to make certain that the course runs as smoothly as possible.

In addition, ten percent of all proceeds go toward programs to assist underpriviledged and at-risk teens in their struggle to get their lives back on track. Save yourself some time and save these kids from a deadly cycle or drugs, violence and family strife; purchase the course today.

So, you may purchase the entire program from my website for $19.95. For this price you are licensed to make as many copies of the materials as you like. You may even provide copies for distribution to other teachers within your school. All that I ask is that you do not give the course away or sell it to teachers outside of the school in which you currently teach.

Clicking through to the following link will give you more of an overview of the course and will provide you with an option to purchase the course if you wish.

Virtual Vacation Lesson Plan and Complete Forms Collection

Michael Kaufman