Objective
Students will explore the connection between finance and math. Doing this will emphasize the importance money is given in our society and demonstrate the efficacy of mathematical skills. Certain statistical terms such as the "mode" will also be considered.
Materials
I will need one transparency of the lyrics to a popular song and 4 copies each of three different songs for the students.
Procedures
- First, we will brainstorm as a class some of the themes that are commonly discussed in popular music and make a list of them on the board. (10 minutes)
- Then, I will put the transparency with song lyrics up and go through it with the class, identifying specific references to any themes that we mentioned, paying special attention to the frequency with which money is mentioned.(10 Minutes)
- Then, the students will break into groups of 4. Each group will select one of the four songs that I brought and go through it in the same manner, compiling a list of themes and noting each reference to money.(20 min)
- We will then rejoin as a class. Each group will share its findings and we will compile a master list on the board, discussing why certain themes occur so often and why money is as central as it is. (10 min)
Homework
Each students will select five songs to break down in a similar manner, identifying the "mode" or most frequently occurring theme. They will then write a brief explanation of why they think that money is mentioned where and how it is. I will again give them a list of websites that they can use. (The HipHop Circuit ; The Original Hip-Hop Lyrics Archive , and Teen Music Lyrics )
Assessment
Students will receive credit for participation during this activity.
Literacy
The students will write in their journals about the activity. Why did we do this activity in math class? How does money relate to math, and especially to algebra?
Debriefing
The songs for use in class will have to be selected carefully for content, both for appropriate themes and usefulness for the lesson. The discussion about themes will have to be carefully monitored so as not to get out of control or inappropriate.
