RACINE, OHIO—Amanda Rinaldi, an educator at Southern High School, is innovatively engaging her students in mathematics by assigning a comprehensive group project centered around vacation planning, an activity that resonates with many individuals.
The student groups were tasked with devising a travel plan for a local travel agency, selecting a destination no less than 100 miles from their school in Racine. This project required students to meticulously calculate various expenses, including transportation, accommodation, attractions, and dining. The assignment stipulated that students must allocate 95% of their group's budget.
On Tuesday, November 5, following extensive preparation, Miss Rinaldi’s students delivered their presentations to the class.
The students selected diverse vacation destinations in Ohio, Tennessee, Florida, and Pennsylvania, and delivered their presentations with enthusiasm. They particularly enjoyed discussing popular dining establishments and tourist attractions, including waterparks and helicopter tours.
“I hope students gain insight into the complexities of trip planning and budgeting during vacations,” stated Miss Rinaldi. “Moreover, I hope this project fosters a greater appreciation for the efforts of their parents and guardians who organize such trips.”
The groups were evaluated based on several criteria, including the quality of their itinerary, the mechanics of their presentation, the effectiveness of their delivery, and the visual appeal of their presentation.
A special thanks to Mrs. Tricia McNickle for serving as a guest judge during the evaluation phase of the assignment.
