Lesson Seed
Engaging Students in Modeling Income Disparity through Systems of Linear Equations
Morgan Sherrill & Darryl L. Corey
Henry County Public Schools and Radford University
Abstract
This lesson describes a culturally relevant Algebra I task in which students use systems of linear equations to model real-world financial scenarios involving family budgeting decisions. Grounded in Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) and the Culturally Relevant Cognitively Demanding (CRCD) Mathematics Task Framework, the lesson engages students in analyzing entertainment, dining, and school shopping contexts to examine how family size and income influence financial flexibility. Students construct and solve systems, interpret solutions in context, and reflect on economic trade-offs. Implementation notes, student reflections, and recommendations for adaptation are provided to support secondary mathematics teachers in connecting algebraic reasoning to meaningful community-based contexts.
Morgan Sherrill & Darryl L. Corey
Henry County Public Schools and Radford University
Abstract
This lesson describes a culturally relevant Algebra I task in which students use systems of linear equations to model real-world financial scenarios involving family budgeting decisions. Grounded in Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) and the Culturally Relevant Cognitively Demanding (CRCD) Mathematics Task Framework, the lesson engages students in analyzing entertainment, dining, and school shopping contexts to examine how family size and income influence financial flexibility. Students construct and solve systems, interpret solutions in context, and reflect on economic trade-offs. Implementation notes, student reflections, and recommendations for adaptation are provided to support secondary mathematics teachers in connecting algebraic reasoning to meaningful community-based contexts.
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