MATH BEHIND THE MARKET INTRODUCTION
The purpose of Math Behind the Market is to provide a tool for teachers to reinforce mathematical concepts using the stock market. Designed to be flexible and easy to use, this module on Fractions and Decimals is divided into two units based on mathematical content:
Unit 1: Comparing, Ordering and Converting Fractions, Mixed Numbers, and Decimals
Unit 2: Single-Step Problem Solving
ACTIVITIES
The activities may be used separately or together. Each activity allows for flexibility in its use. The
following are examples of how to use the activities:
As a Class: The teacher or a student can complete the answers using a transparency.
In a Group: Have students work in cooperative learning groups to complete the activity.
On Their Own: Students can complete the activity on their own either in class or as a homework assignment.
Each unit contains specific information on its activities including:
• Description
• Math Objectives
• Stock Market Concepts
• Connections and Extensions
As needed, answer keys are included directly following the corresponding activity. Answer keys are not provided for the Figure it Out! activities. Use of a calculator has been left to the teacher’s discretion.
Within each unit there is at least one Figure it Out! activity. These activities are intended to provide the teacher with maximum flexibility. The following are examples of how the Figure it Out! activities may be used:
As a Class: Find the information needed using a newspaper or the Internet. Complete the activity as a class or assign various groups to complete specific problems or sections.
In a Group: Have teams of students use the information from a fantasy stock market portfolio or other stocks of interest to complete the activity.
On Their Own: Have students select the stocks or other information needed based on their interests or ones they have researched for a simulation of the stock market (i.e., a fantasy stock market game).
If the class is not actively making trades in a fantasy stock marktet portfolios, another option is to assign a stock category to each team. For example, the teacher may assign one group to use information from “NASDAQ companies only” while another group may have a “technology companies only” assignment.
Other categories may include:
• NYSE companies
• Companies that make foods or drinks we like
• Companies on the Dow Jones Industrial Average
• Local companies
Let your creativity inspire you or allow students to determine their own list of categories.
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