Unit Plan
Creative Writing in the Math Classroom
By
Cate Sanazaro
- Grades: 6–8
Overview
Constructed Response writing and Performance Events are designed to keep pace with changes in assessment. Constructed Response questions require students to supply, rather than select, an appropriate response. Also referred to as Open-Ended Response, Constructed Response usually supports more than one solution process and a wider range of possible responses. Performance events, requiring students to apply skills, also support a multi-solution process. This unit combines knowledge of current events with traditional math skills; culminating in a fun performance event that allows students to create their own solutions to the problem.
Objective
Students Will:
- Explore cause and effect in relation to gas prices.
- Analyze information on a Pie Chart.
- Working within defined parameters; develop a budget for a trip.
- Estimate distances and costs.
- Substantiate appropriate methods of calculations.
- Create an appropriate constructed response.
Lesson Plans for this Unit
Lesson 1: Interpreting Pie Charts
Lesson 2: Budgeting for a Trip
Lesson 3: Writing Constructed Responses
Reproducibles
Culminating Activity
Design a travel brochure showcasing your itinerary. These can feature real photos, prices, maps, charts. Display these after they have been presented to the class.
Supporting Books
- Everything You Need:
- Subjects:Social Studies, Charts and Graphs, Writing, Data Analysis, Logic and Problem Solving, Money, Arts and Creativity, Real-World Math, Economics
- Skills:Charts and Graphs, Writing
- Duration:5 Class Periods

