A world of limited resources

Students are challenged to consider how mathematics can help them understand and address problems faced in a world of limited resources. The learners become immersed in two fictional scenarios that invite them to apply a variety of mathematical disciplines. First, students consider how a generous financial gift to their school could be divided fairly, which requires the use of fractions, percentages and money. The second scenario involves them dividing their playground using skills such as measuring, ratios, and problem-solving. Students develop their creative thinking to generate solutions to real-life problems before thinking critically in order to consider the relative merits of different solutions.

• Build knowledge of applied fractions, percentages and measuring 

• Develop problem solving skills related to division 

• Understand equality and equity within a mathematical framework

This unit has a creativity and critical thinking focus:

• Generate & play with several approaches to a math problem

• Consider several perspectives and reflect on the chosen approach relative to alternatives

• Explain the strengths and limitations of solutions 

Other

• A fictional letter outlining a financial gift to the school from a mystery donor

• Paper and pencils to show the workings  

Opportunities to Adapt Extend and Enrich

• This activity could be expanded to build further links to subjects such as health and well-being, citizenship, or economics. For example, the teacher could deliberately distribute resources unequally and then discuss different ways of rectifying this (for example, in a similar manner to the activities described here https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2015/jan/28/teach-students-equality-smarties) 

English Version

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ADm2EMlQb09rfIVZq2cdl8qr3JZwlMTpZvuaUyUx1B4/edit?usp=sharing 

Hindi Version

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EJ4Dolcv8Etbk09KU-oOMlw9k_yJqHXJmzALu69cgy8/edit?usp=drive_link

Gujarati Version

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/11kInSIPr5S6bn3Chxsaw87Jmjw--63wHBbZGY6yUGNs/edit?usp=drive_link

Kannada Version

• https://docs.google.com/document/d/1c88vz87sMz0qcr6F33ajcXQzqw-o_B2NkYhQe01VhRY/edit?usp=drive_link