Real World Math via Menu Math

Every school year, I begin my Algebra class by introducing the concepts of symbols, math sentences, and math stories by using Menu Math from Brad Fulton and Bill Lombard.  Menu Math helps kids understand math symbols such as X and Y.  In addition, this lesson teaches students to think of Algebra in real world contexts.  Using a menu to help students understand how to create and interpret math sentences via "orders" just like at a drive-thru.

My students are easily able to understand that "h + c" represents hamburger plus fries and determine the sum.  We constantly build upon their understanding to include solving problems like: 

Working within teams, I have students develop a business and create a "menu".  Each student creates math sentences from the orders placed by students throughout the room.  These are included on the poster.  The posters (menus) always blow me away because they are so creative and artistic.  As an assessment, I provide math sentences and make students write about how they can use menu math to develop a story for the sentence, create symbols, and solve.  Furthermore, students may be given a scenario and write about the symbols they would utilize as well as demonstrate what the mathematical sentence would look like.  Using writing in math class is often new to students but an excellent way to interpret their level of understanding.Menu Math Link