Review of "We're Poppin' for Math" (Dec/Jan, 2003/2004)

This article details a project where middle school math students plan and organize a popcorn sale at their school. In my opinion, one of the most important questions this project addresses is the age-old "How is this useful?". By using algebra, TI-83 calculators, charts, and graphs to determine the best selling price this project seeks to bring textbook math into the real world.

The project actually involves two different classes, one of 8th grade algebra students and another of 7th grade mathematics students. The role of the 8th graders is to use their algebra skills to estimate cost, profit, break-even point, and other useful predictive statistics prior to the actual sale. By doing so, students gain an understanding of how limiting or reducing costs directly impacts profit, and gets them thinking about how to earn the highest profit; is it better to sell fewer bags at a higher price, or more bags at a lower price? As for the 7th graders, their role is to conduct a survey of the school to assess the price that would be acceptable and what type of popcorn is most desired (buttered, caramel, etc.) This data is then entered into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and graphed, and then provided to the 8th graders.

Q1: Considering my own difficulties with math while in school, would this project have been helpful or interesting to me?
A1: Most of my difficulties with math were not due to a dearth of intelligence but stemmed rather from an inability to memorize and conceptualize abstract concepts. I feel that placing these ideas in a concrete, money-centered project would be very helpful to students experiencing the same kind of challenges that I did.

Q2: How feasible is this project? Does it require specialized, costly, or difficult-to-find equipment?
A2: Aside from the calculators and a few computers, I think this project is very accessible to a wide variety of schools. In the article, the class actually conducted the popcorn sale they had planned, which necessitated the rental of a popcorn machine and the purchase of food and supplies. While this undoubtedly makes the project more impactful, I think that even if it were carried through only the planning phase it would still be very effective.