Budget Ratios & Proportions
Grade Band: Middle School (Grade 7)
Duration: 90 minutes (2 × 45 min)
Standards: CCSS 7.RP.A.2; Jump$tart 1 & 2
Objectives
- Model budget categories as ratios to income.
- Graph proportional changes over time.
- Adjust expense ratios to meet savings goals.
Materials
- Build-a-Budget game
- Ratio table handout & graph paper
Procedure
- Day 1 Hook & Play (35 min): Review ratio concepts; play Period 1 and fill out ratio table.
- Day 1 Ratio Table (10 min): Simplify each expense-to-income ratio on handout.
- Day 2 Graphing (25 min): Plot one category’s ratio (%) over each period.
- Day 2 Proportion Challenges (15 min): Calculate required savings tile to hit a 30% ratio.
- Wrap-Up (5 min): Discuss how ratio reasoning informs budgeting decisions.
Assessment
- Completed ratio tables and graphs.
- Written calculations adjusting ratios for new goals.
Student Name: _________________________________
Handout: Ratio Table
| Category | Cost ($) | Income ($) | Ratio | Simple Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | ||||
| Groceries | ||||
| Utilities | ||||
| Savings |
Graph Axes: X = Period #, Y = (Cost÷Income)×100%
Extension: What savings amount is needed for a 30% ratio? Show work.