About Thursday, 5/28

Quiz Bowl #6 questions are due to Mo on Thursday!
The questions for Quiz Bowl #6 are listed below in Tuesday's 5/26 post.

Retests for RPP are Thursday.

Last day for choice assignments that you want credit for is Thursday.

Any FP books coming in on Thursday will be -10%, any FP folders will lose 5 points.

Summary for Tuesday, 5/26

Advice:  
*Please check through the assignment lists on the Finance Park tab of this blog.
*Please make sure you have completed ALL aspects of each assignment; those details are on the individual assignment notes for the days they were assigned. Yes, it will mean you need to look back through all of the blog posts for the past month if you have any questions.
*My guess is a few of you will forget some of the final details: finishing your Life Profile sheet, balancing your budget to $0 on the yellow budget register, etc.
This is a LOT to keep track of because you are ready to be responsible for it.  It is worth a lot of points to put weight on its importance; you can do it!  Right now you are probably either seeing the light at the end of the tunnel or a long night ahead ... use these lessons to prepare you for becoming better at pacing your work load and planning ahead.  They are wonderful lessons to learn in middle school, even if they feel somewhat overwhelming right now.
Finance Park Books are due Wednesday @ 2:45.
*Late books will lose 10% per day
Finance Park Folders are due Wednesday @2:45.
*Late folders will lose a total of 5 points.
(There will be no additional time to work on your folders or books in class tomorrow)

Optional Assignments:  RPP Test Corrections, How Does your Garden Grow (worksheet), Quizlet (RPP options).  All of these assignments may be completed for additional points, but they must be turned in by this Thursday, May 28.

Quiz Bowl #6 Questions are due on Thursday!

Quiz Bowl #6

Please create four questions. 

answers may not be numbers                  answers may not be a year

no true/false, multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank        include answers!

1.  Movies

This movie was first in the theaters in _________________ (year), was set in ____________________ _____________________ (primary location),  and is about ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ (short summary).  Actors/Actresses in this movie include _________________________, ____________________, and _____________________________. (you may list more actors or other good clues)

Name this movie:

2. Two words that Rhyme

The first of these words begins with the letter ______ and is defined as ________________________________________________________________.  The rhyming word is defined as ______________________________________________

_______________________________________ and begins with the letter___________.

Name BOTH words.

3.  Washington State Trivia

Write a question that asks a well-known fact about Washington state, but not so well-known that it’s too easy, like the state capitol.  It might be geographical, historical, or involving our state mascots, colleges, or landmarks.  Be creative! 

4.  Plants

Write a question about any plant.  Clues should involve its color(s), size, shape, and where it is primarily found.  (examples: cactus is found in the desert, flowers are found in vases or flowerbeds)  You should also include the plant family and whether or not your food is edible.  Make sure that you give enough detail that your plant can be identified for certain with your clues.  (example: “this plant is green and yellow, smells nice, and grows in the ground,” is not specific enough)

Wrapping up the FP Stuff

FP Books: 
There is nothing else to do in your book except be happy with your efforts.
Feel free to redo anything before Wednesday, May 27, but that means it needs to be turned in before then so you can get it back!

FP Folders:
Your last task, other than yesterday's assignment, will be to complete the yellow budget page and get your papers in order.  (the order is listed on the FP tab)
Make sure you wisely spend your money so that you have $0 left at the bottom of your budget register!  Points will be lost for going in the hole (negative closing value), leaving money unaccounted for (positive leftover money), or adding incorrectly.
Your yellow budget register is worth 14 additional points for correct completion, so be accurate!

Final Assignments in your Finance Park Folder and Book

Finance Park Book:  
#20) Journal Entry - page 81 (6 points)
Make it meaningful and effortful.
This is an effort based grade: use examples, be specific.
Example that is NOT a good answer:  "I learned about money."  or "I have learned having a budget is good."
You may type this up if you prefer and insert it in your book by page 81.  Please label it and make sure your name is on it in case it slips out.
You can expand this question to think about other things you have learned about: money, jobs, work, taxes, budgets, etc.  Essentially, let me know what you have learned, learned more about, or even just had reinforced.  How will this apply to your future and how has this reinforced your math skills?
Finance Park books are due on Wednesday, May 27.  
After the 27th date there will not be an opportunity for corrections to your work.  If you want to take advantage of corrections, your book should be left in your airplane hangar at school either this Thursday, Friday, or next Tuesday.
Finance Park books lose 10% per day that they are late. 
The last day to turn in your book for any credit is Tuesday, June 2.

Finance Park Folder:
*Complete Your Life Profile Sheet
On the bottom of your life profile sheet you should answer two questions.
*note that the Field Trip itself should not be your answer to either question.
1) My Favorite Part of the Finance Park - What did you enjoy about living this life?  What was especially fun to do, think about, or experience?  And WHY?!?!?
2) The Most Challenging or Frustrating Part of the Finance Park - Was there something that irritated you about the Average American?  Or was there a particular "new life" assignment that you feel could be handled in a different way that would keep it challenging but not be overly difficult?  (I do want it to be difficult, fyi, but I want you to understand it too.)
Thank you for any help you have to offer!  This was my first year in the new book, so I'm interested in your feedback.  Obviously, you can list more than one thing for each, but you do need at least one.
Finance Park folders are due on Wednesday, May 27.  
After the 27th date there will not be an opportunity for corrections to your work.  If you want to take advantage of corrections, you should make sure to give your folder to Mo on Friday so she can review it during the day and give it back to you for the weekend.  I can't correct every assignment, but I can get through some!  
Finance Park books lose 5 points, total, if turned in after May 27. 
The last day to turn in your book for any credit is Tuesday, June 2.

Assignments and notes for Wednesday, May 20

Notes first:
RPP test is tomorrow!  Hopefully you came in at math lunch today if you wanted to review.  Be prepared to find answers to proportions, determine rates, find percentages, use verbal equations, and correctly solve application problems.  There will be a retest next week, but why rely on that?!?

Finance Park Folder:
Today you got your last two "assignments" in your folder.  This does not include the bottom of your life profile page or the checklist, but those will be given to you tomorrow.
Today you received:
Dining Out:
The directions are FULLY explained on this page.  Please read them all ... you will be marked down if you do not follow the directions.  We went over them in class, but unless you have a beyond amazing memory, you will want to review the written directions before assuming you know what you are doing.  Trust me on this!
Entertainment and Recreation:
Ditto the Dining Out worksheet - the directions are FULLY explained on this page.  Read them word for word.
Lucky & Unlucky chances should all be applicable by now.  Your task is to interpret HOW to use them both and do them correctly ... that's how you earn the points!

You may: Complete your yellow budget sheet, adding in your savings and charity, to reach your balance of zero, but you also may want to get as many sheets corrected as you can before doing so IN CASE you need to recalculate any of them.  Have your folder with you tomorrow and I should be able to look through them while you are testing!

Homework for Tuesday, May 19

In your Folder:  Transportation Cost - Variable (purple sheet - copy)
We went over two examples in class today, so hopefully you followed along and can complete this for yourself.
Notes:
*Total Monthly Miles (right column) is the calculation from your "Miles to work" monthly calculation plus the Miles per month additional mileage on the chart according to your personal situation.  The average American does not just drive to work and back, they drive a lot more
*Take the number you calculated for your Total Monthly Miles (the chart) to use in line a) Total Monthly Miles.  This is the average number of miles your car gets per gallon.
*For line 3, lucky or unlucky chance considerations, this only applies IF you have one and IF you have not already used the calculation at another stage.  If you want to be extra helpful, point out here that you did it already. where you did it, and be sure to include your sticker on the back of this worksheet.
*If you don't like the results, you CAN choose to buy another car and you CAN get it reapproved by me for full credit ... but you don't HAVE to.
Read the last sentence on this worksheet if you have any other questions ...

Homework for Monday, May 18

Assignments in FP Folder:
Clothing - purple sheet copy
Follow the directions on the purple sheet!!!!!!!
Seriously, your parents also know how to purchase clothing for people and how to read size charts. (hint hint)
Health Care - White sheet (there is no copy, you will need to get this in class)
Circle your choices; it's that simple.
*These are line items 7 & 9 on your yellow budget sheet!

Assignment for Thursday, May 14

In Your Folder:
Buy a Car!  -copy of
This is your "fixed tranportation" guideline.  We will figure your gas & maintenance (variable transportation) later.
Sorry for not having more time to go over this in class, but hopefully you can follow the directions on the page.  The site works pretty easily, you just need to be aware of your guidelines and being sure to purchase a car that will work for your family.
Please have this done by Monday, May 18, because we will go over how to do your Variable Tranportation cost then.  Having your car ready to go will help!

See you all tomorrow at the Finance Park!
(be sure to check out the new pics of the chickens)
Mo ;-)

Homework for Wednesday, May 13

Assignments:
Finance Park Book:
#19) Credit Scenarios - page 55 (5 points)
Although it might seem difficult to believe at first, there are benefits to using a credit card.  When you answer these questions, circle the advantages (not the whole scenario) and underline the disadvantages.

Finance Park Folder:
Furnishings - aka Home Improvement worksheet - copy of
We went over these in class AND the worksheet takes you through things step-by-step.  Be sure to follow the directions.  I need to see the items you have purchased AND their costs as cut from a printed advertisement.  You are welcome to use any printed ad, but NOT one that you take from the internet.  This is NOT an internet assignment.

Homework for Tuesday, May 12

Finance Park Book:
#17) Stock Quotes, pg 39  (5 points)
Use the stock table on the page to answer questions 1 - 4.  The categories are explained at the top of the page.
*For question #5, you are to do one of two options: a) ask your 7th grader to name a stock they chose for you and why they selected it or b) do some research (which could include interviewing a parent) and select a stock you would like to buy and say why you would select that stock.  NOTE: it must be a real stock and your reasons need to be more than, "because I like coffee."

#18) Sample Budgets, pg 77 (6 points)
Review any of the vocabulary on previous pages if it is unclear what they are asking, then answer the questions on the page using the table at the top.  Assume that the larger the apartment, the more expensive it is.  (only sometimes true in "real" life, but this is fiction!)

Your Life Folder: 
Electrical - Water - Sewer - Trash - Cable - Phone worksheet 
*this worksheet is gray and is available HERE as well.
*Note that you must have selected a house to determine your electrical bill.
*Note that the Water/Sewer/Trash section is calculated differently.
*Note that you MUST have either a land line or a cell phone per person.  You may also have a land line and a single cell phone if you want, but having a land line only is the minimum.
*Note that you do not "need" to purchase cable or internet unless you need those charges to put you above your minimum.
*CIRCLE or otherwise indicate your choices!!!
*And finally note that your total must be between your minimum and maximum for this category, item #2 on your yellow budget sheet.

Homework in general

I did not post last Friday, so that will be detailed here along with today's assignments:

Friday, May 9
Assignment:  Savings and Non-Profit Giving worksheet for your folder  (copy of)
*Part 1 should be completed using your guidelines from your yellow sheet AND your goal (that you may or may not attain as it's just a goal at this point)
*Part 2 is your opinion you completed after our discussion in class.
  (Clara and Ella, you can have this discussion with your parents and answer this section)
*Part 3 is pending.  You won't complete this until you have made all of your other purchases.

Monday, May 11
Finance Park Book:  Back to the Future, page 41
*At the bottom of the page you should have written:  Discussed with Parent, signature: _____.
You are to answer these questions based on your opinion.
THEN -
You are to talk to a parent/adult about each of your choices.  You are on your honor to have a meaningful conversation about these considerations and listen to other opinions.
Once you have had the conversation, have your parent/adult sign the bottom of the page.

Finance Park Folder - House Purchase - (copy of)
Please follow the directions ON the worksheet.  There is not much else I can tell you that isn't already there.  Test run a house, check to see if it falls within your guidelines, and print the results of your purchase when you are done.
*I need to be able to see the "calculated payment" on the printed page along with details about the house.  If I cannot, then you will need to reprint it.

Homework for Thursday, May 7

A lot of you are asking when things are "due," and my most common answer is, "Well, it's not technically due until later in May, but I would do it tonight and stay caught up."
So yes, that's my answer.
Assignments:
Finance Park Book
#15)  Sales Receipt Analysis, pg 27 (8 points)
Yes, you can use a calculator (but not the % button).
You can use proportions or the formula they give you; your choice.

Finance Park Folder:
Grocery Shopping, green sheet - COPY of
Each option is a weekly cost for the groceries in the option list.
Cost is broken down for each category of person.
Each week (on the back side) must be the same for each person in the family, BUT
Each week can be different than the previous week ... and many times it will need to be for you to successfully shop within your budget guidelines.
Your final Monthly Family Total MUST be between your minimum and maximum guidelines unless
a) Your lucky/unlucky chance tells you otherwise or
b) It is impossible: eating only the cheapest options is still too expensive.  In this case, you still buy the cheapest option, but you check "impossible" and will need to find how to save money elsewhere!
*Pencil your monthly total into the "spent" column for groceries - eating in.  We'll get back to transferring it into the "balance" column later.
Clara, if this worksheet does not make sense to you, just wait until Monday to ask.  ;-)

We'll be looking into savings and charitable giving tomorrow!

Homework for Wednesday, May 6

Assignments #13 and #14 in your F.P. Book
#13) Budget Categories, page 72  (5 points)
This was a partner assignment mostly completed in class, but finished on your own.  This is a brainstorm: there are no worldwide categories for your budget that are required by law.  However, there are certainly categories that make sense and those that do not.  Think about ways you might organize your budget as you prepare to spend your money.
A spending plan for money you earn is key to surviving month-to-month!
a) The inner circles are for the general categories that you come up with.  It is not necessarily all-inclusive, but should be fairly comprehensive.
b) The outer circles are for examples of things you would include in those categories.
*Clara - you can brainstorm these with anyone!  Don't use the yellow sheet with the categories I gave you though; think of what makes sense to you.
#14)  Caleb's Budget, page 73  (10 points)
Complete Caleb's budget for him.
*Part of this is reading through the backstory and filling in the blanks with the correct information.
*Part of this is figuring out which items (take-home income vs gross income, long-term goals vs short-term goals) are what and using them accordingly.
*Part of this is interpreting the information and making some decisions for Caleb.  While it's opinion in one sense, there are also wrong answers.  Caleb cannot spend more money than he has or choose not to pay his insurance, as examples.
*Part of this is doing the arithmetic correctly!  You can use a calculator, but you really don't need one.  (like the difference between wants and needs!)
*Clara, we drew unlucky chances today too, so yours will be waiting in the bucket for you when you get back.  It does not (neither of them) currently affect any of these things we are doing.

Assignments for Tuesday, May 5

Assignments:
Life Profile Page - copy
This is a work in process.  So far you should have the information filled in for you, your family, your NMI, your lucky chance, and possibly your entertainment/recreational interests.
*Your entertainment/recreational interests should reflect who you are in this "new life" keeping in mind your age, marital status, and children.
Budget and Register -  copy
This is the yellow sheet.  Do not begin this sheet until you have your NMI approved by me!!!!!!
*Be sure to include your "raise" or any additional monies that you earned in your Lucky Chance under the "Extra" box on your yellow sheet.  This will be the new NMI you will be using for this month.  (and we're only living one month, so go with that!)
Purpose:  To create a set of budget guidelines for when you begin making purchasing choices.  You will always need to spend above your minimum and below your maximum in each category unless your lucky or unlucky chance specifically says otherwise.   *for a longer explanation, click here!
Directions: Please set up (either in your head or on paper) your proportions and use your NMI (current approved and adjusted if your lucky chance indicates NMI) and the percentages below each minimum and maximum category to make your calculations.  You should write nothing in the spent or balance columns at this time.
Due Wednesday if you want to have me go over it AND it will make understanding the next steps to what we are doing easier.

Assignments for Monday, May 4

In your Finance Park Book ... calculators may be used on all of these assignments
#9) Calculating your NMI, pg 78
Note: this assignment looks next-to-nothing like the assignment that is in your book.  Follow these steps (that we went over in class today) carefully!  Cross out the lines we are not using and write in those that we are.  I need to be able to follow your table.
Your table for calculating your NMI should now look something like this:

Job Title	Gross Annual Income	Work column	Totals: GMI
Your job title	Your GAI		Your Gross Monthly
Federal tax withheld: use 15% of your GMI		Your Federal tax amount	GMI minus Federal taxes
Social Security tax withheld: use 12.4% of your GMI		Your S.S. tax amount	(GMI -  Fed) – S.S.
Medicare tax Withheld: use 2.9% of your GMI		Your Medicare amount	(GMI – F – SS) - Medicare
Kid Credit:  use # of kids x $88 and add back to your GMI		Positive amount added back in for your kids.	(GMI – F – SS – Med) + k.c.
NMI			Your Net Monthly Income

Your NMI will be used repeatedly over the next few weeks.  I will check it IN CLASS tomorrow and you'll be good to go.
*Do you remember the difference between a GAI, GMI, and NMI?  You should!
Due Tuesday 
#10) Debit/Credit pg 56
For this assignment you will earn two points: 1 for defining a credit card and the other for defining a debit card.  You may use your parents or your FP book as a resource.  I do not recommend the internet, because being able to ask questions while you summarize your findings is helpful to the process.
#11) Write a Check, pg 57
You will use the scenario from #2, page 58 to complete this check.
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS on the page for writing the check ... your grade will be an indicator for your ability to follow these directions based on using the scenario from #2: your life, your family.  That's all I'm going to tell you about this one!  Get help from your parents, who do know how to write checks, if you still need it.  ;-)
#12) Check Registry, pg 58 - 59
You will use the information on page 58 to complete the check register on page 59.
Fill in the lines as you go: you will need a running balance down the right column.  Again, your parents know how to track this information.  The important thing is that you are a) accurate and b) indicate profits and losses accordingly.
*remember how bad Mr. Gacek was with his money during the negatives unit?  He must not have kept track of his balance!
Due in later May, but work to keep up!