Consumer Math

Description

Consumer Math is a practical and engaging course designed to equip students with the essential mathematical skills and financial literacy needed to navigate everyday economic decisions with confidence. This course moves beyond abstract mathematical concepts and focuses on real-world applications, empowering students to become informed consumers, responsible borrowers, and savvy financial planners. Through interactive lessons, collaborative activities, and relevant problem-solving scenarios, students will develop a strong understanding of topics ranging from budgeting and managing personal finances to understanding credit, making informed purchasing decisions, and planning for future financial goals.

Throughout the course, students will work towards several key objectives. They will learn to create and analyze personal budgets, track income and expenses, and make informed decisions about saving and spending. Students will also gain a comprehensive understanding of credit, including how it works, the costs associated with borrowing, and strategies for building and maintaining a positive credit history. Furthermore, the course will delve into the mathematics behind major purchases, such as vehicles and homes, enabling students to calculate loan payments, understand interest rates, and evaluate the long-term financial implications of these decisions. Finally, students will be introduced to basic investment principles and retirement planning, laying the foundation for future financial security.

The learning experience in Consumer Math will be highly practical and application-oriented. Students will engage in activities such as creating mock budgets based on realistic income and expense scenarios, analyzing credit card statements and loan agreements, and calculating the total cost of ownership for different vehicles. They will also work through case studies involving purchasing decisions, compare different savings and investment options, and develop basic financial plans. Assessments will focus on the ability to apply mathematical concepts to solve real-world financial problems, interpret financial information, and make sound economic judgments, preparing them for the financial challenges and opportunities they will encounter after graduation.

Course Structure

Students can expect to spend at least 5-7 hours per week on this class, outside of class time. This time accounts for watching pre-recorded videos, reading daily assignments, completing daily homework, and submitting handwritten weekly assignments. The submitted homework will consist of video concept check questions, daily readings and note-taking, electronic practice questions, and textbook questions, some submitted as scanned written work, and some to be checked against an answer key that will be provided. Parent-proctored chapter tests will be required at the end of each chapter, in which students will be required to show all their work. To help students learn good note-taking, notes from each chapter will be submitted and evaluated. The two live sessions will consist of highly interactive explanations of concepts and problem-solving using these concepts and their applications. Questions are welcomed! All course lectures are pre-recorded and available for students to play back at their convenience.

Who should enroll?

Consumer Math is ideally suited for high school students in their sophomore to senior years who are preparing for the financial responsibilities of adulthood. This course is particularly beneficial for students who may not be pursuing advanced mathematics beyond the graduation requirements but recognize the crucial need for practical financial literacy skills. It’s also valuable for students who plan to enter the workforce directly after high school, attend vocational training, or pursue college, as the principles of budgeting, credit management, and responsible spending are universally applicable regardless of their post-graduation path. Ultimately, any student who desires to gain a solid foundation in managing their personal finances and making informed economic decisions will find Consumer Math to be a highly relevant and empowering course.

Prerequisite

While not strictly required, it is recommended that students have successfully completed Algebra 1 or its equivalent before enrolling in Consumer Math. A foundational understanding of basic algebraic concepts, such as working with variables, solving linear equations, and interpreting graphs, will be beneficial for certain topics within the course, particularly when analyzing financial formulas and models. However, the primary focus of Consumer Math is on practical application and real-world scenarios, and we will review essential mathematical skills as needed within the context of financial topics. Students with a solid grasp of fundamental arithmetic and basic algebra will generally be well-prepared for the course content.

Technology Required