Recently I have begun to incorporate projects more and more into my classroom. The latest was ‘Shop ‘Til You Drop’. This activity gave students real-world experience adding and subtracting decimals (This is a 5th grade Common Core Standard – NBT.7). It also incorporates 4 other Common Core Standards. It was a project that my partner teacher found online. And like any good teacher, I have had time to reflect on the project; take note of what went well, and what I will do differently next time.

What went well:

• Students begged to work on the project.
• Students took the assignment seriously.
• Students asked for help with subtracting across zeros – I need to go back and reteach.
• Students helped one another solve problems and find gifts.
• Many quality presentations were made.
• Many students viewed their project on the TV, seeking feedback.
• Students took feedback and made adjustments – even after their presentation was given.
• Templates were used and modified.

Things that need improving:

• Work space on paper (just to make sure they’re not using a calculator).
• Rubric/Scale that fits my needs – Marzano based.
• Give more time. Took longer than I anticipated.
• Ask what student would do with left over money. While some volunteered this information, many did not. It wasn’t something that I thought about until one student shared her thoughts – she wanted to donate the rest to a charity.

And because I am a firm believer in sharing, here is the lesson – templates included. I have included the NETS-S as well. Feel free to share, modify, and use.