1. A numeracy problem

2.  Watch the movie, and apologies for the less than perfect quality. ……. I was learning some new technology skills

3.  Watch the movie….and apologies for the quality but Phil was learning to film and I was learning how to use imovie!

4.  How many litres of petrol were in my petrol tank before I filled up?  Watch the movie again and make any notes about information that you need.  You can ask me questions after you have taken notes.

5.  Here is the final total

7.  Neil filled up his car with petrol.  His tank holds 50 litres of petrol.  Petrol costs $1.779 per litre.  He bought a NZ Herald for $1.90  He bought three chocolate bars which each cost $2.49.  The chocolate was on offer, 3 for 2.  Because he bought the chocolate, he got 4c per litre off the cost of the petrol.  He bought a 2 degrees top up of $20  The total bill was $73.69  How many litres of petrol were in Neil’s car before he filled up?

8.  23.08 litres of petrol

9.  So…………..  Is this sort of an activity a worthwhile learning experience for our students?  If so, why?  What advantages does the film problem have over the word problem?  Can you change the question to move the problem up or down a level in the curriculum?  Are there cross curricular opportunities?  Anything else?

10.  On it are some wonderful ready prepared activities.  If you like we can look at one that he (and I) think is one of his best.  Its about graphing straight lines.