Lesson 5: "Life Happens" Simulation
Duration of Days: 6.5
Lesson Objective
Students will navigate a week of "Surprise Expenses" (flat tire, broken phone, sick pet) using their calculated budget.
Do I have enough in my "Emergency Fund" to cover this?
Emergency Fund
Debt
Liquid Assets
NRT.Q.1
CRP.01
Description: A "Live" budget simulation where students must navigate their car and apartment costs simultaneously while facing an "Emergency" (ex. a $400 speeding ticket or a broken window).
Purpose: To demonstrate mastery of all math units. Students must synthesize their knowledge to make a "Stay or Go" financial decision.
DOK Level: 4
Support: Allow students to "Work Overtime" (extra math problems) to earn back money lost to a "Chance" card.
Extension: Students must write a "Financial Recovery Plan" explaining how they will rebuild their savings after the emergency.
A final reflection: "Did I stay in the green or go into the red?"
"Chance" cards (ex. "You hit a pothole on East Main St: Pay $200")
Student-created budgets
"Emergency Fund" trackers.