Expect the Unexpected With

A Program of The Actuarial Foundation. Aligned with Common Core State and NCTM Standards.

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What is an actuary? An actuary is an expert in statistics who works with businesses, governments, and organizations to help them plan for the future. Actuarial science is the discipline that applies math and statistical methods to assess risk. Background photo: © Inga Nielsen/iStockphoto.

Lessons: Conversions Rock

Expect the Unexpected with Math™

Getting Started: The lessons and activities guide students to develop skills for equivalent conversions through a young band called The Conversions. Each member of the band has a math specialty he or she uses to help make the band successful. Nikki, the guitarist, is fascinated by fractions. Dezzy digs decimals. Bailey is a pro with percents.

Before launching the lessons, engage students to discuss real-world applications of fractions/decimals/percents.

In what ways do people use these math tools in their daily lives?
Invite students to bring in examples (e.g., recipes, magazines, statistics).

Lesson Plans

Lesson 1: Fractions
Guide your students to learn key features about fractions and how to convert them to equivalent decimals and percents. Also show them the related concepts of ratio and proportion.

Lesson 2: Decimals
Help your students understand decimals and how to convert them to equivalent fractions and percents.

Lesson 3: Percents
Show your students key features about percents and how to convert them to equivalent decimals and fractions.