Grade Level: Eighth Grade

Materials: Worksheet with Formulas, Markers, Worksheet with Problems, Group Activity, and Worksheet for Homework Assignment, Calculators, Brochures on Miami Seaquarium (including special rates and fees).

Objectives:
To understand percentages in terms of discounts and taxes.
To illustrate the reality of mathematics in everyday life.

Mathematical Concepts: Percentages. Decimals.

NCTM Standards: Communications and Number Relationships.

Procedure:

After reviewing last class's lecture on the relationship of decimals and percentages, explain that taxes and discounts are percentages that can be handled as decimals to determine how much extra or less the total bill will be. Use the Dade County tax of 6.5%.

Take the class on an imaginary field trip to Miami Seaquarium. Assign them to groups of four with one student acting as the parent-chaperone. Explain that if the class were to go in January with a group of thirty-six people, the park will give a twenty-two percent discount. But if the group goes in April, the park will give a thirty-one percent discount to a group of fifty-two students and the adult chaperones will n he cost of buses now that you know which month was the best time to visit the park. But we are travelling in style, so we will not be transported in school buses. We will travel by J. Kelly Buses.

A standard bus can transport sixty-five (65) people.
Remember that the park doesn't open until 9:30 a.m. Travel time is 45 minutes. Four hours is recommended to see the entire park.

1. In January, the company charges $300 for the entire day, plus tax.

Find the total cost.

2. In April, the company charges $175 for a half day, plus tax. Find the total cost. For an entire day, the cost is $325.

3. Considering the time restraints of travel and visit, as well as the results from class, which month is the most economical now?

CLASS ACTIVITY

In January, a class of thirty-six students, chaperones visit free, can travel to Metrozoo Park in Miami, Fl, and receive a twenty-two percent discount due to the group's size.

In April, the park gives a thirty-one percent discount if the group has fifty-two people, including chaperones.

Since we are in the eighth grade, we are charged as adults. The admission fee is $18.95, plus tax. In Dade County, the tax rate is 6.5% Determine which month is the best to visit.