Prerequisites:
Students should be enrolled in or have completed Algebra 2 and Economics. They will be required to perform a cost-benefit analysis, determine an algebraic equation from a set of data, and determine inequalities that restrict the values of an equation.
Objectives:
Students will use a variety of online resources to research the value of the environment, gas cars, and hybrid cars in order to make an informed consumer decision. Students will analyze these resources and then synthesize an opinion which must be supported by research.
Algebra Benchmarks
MA.A.4.4.1 use estimation strategies in complex situations to predict results and to check the reasonableness of results.
MA.B.2.4.2 solve real-world problems involving rated measures (miles per hour, feet per second).
MA.D.1.4.1 describe, analyze, and generalize relationships, patterns, and functions using words, symbols, variables, tables, and graphs.
MA.D.1.4.2 determine the impact when changing parameters of given functions.
MA.E.1.4.1 interpret data that has been collected, organized, and displayed in charts, tables, and plots.
Economic Benchmarks
SS.D.1.4 understands how scarcity requires individuals and institutions to make choices about how to use resources.
SS.D.2.4 understands how government taxes, policies, and programs affect individuals, groups, businesses, and regions.
Introduction
Society has become more aware of the growing impact we have on the environment and as a result there has been a movement to protect the environment from the harmful effects of pollution. This has coincided with a political movement to protect our country from foreign influence by lessening our dependence on foreign oil. Consequently, part of the green movement has revolved around the emergence of the hybrid car. However, in recent years the state of the economy has many consumers analyzing the costs and benefits of purchasing a hybrid car. Our task will be to determine the value of a hybrid car.
Procedure
Your larger group will break up into teams of two or three to perform the following roles:
Role: Determine the value of the environment
Your role is to determine how the environmental impact of hybrid cars will influence the decision to purchase a hybrid car. Research how an economic value is associated with environmental resources and how a cost-benefit analysis will lead to more informed consumer decisions. You will help your group understand how to factor in the environmental impact in their final decision.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe310 : Full cost accounting and the environment: How do businesses make decisions based on cost analysis?
http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2008/05/15/green-economics-how-do-you-value-the-environment/ : Should environmental goods be associated with a dollar amount?
http://www.gemi.org/resources/EVTB_001.pdf : Determining the value of the environment to businesses and communicating that value.
http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/pdfs/afv_info.pdf : Alternative fuels comparison chart
http://www.greenprogress.com/carbon_footprint_calculator.php : Calculate your carbon footprint
Role: Determine the value of a hybrid car
Your role is to determine the cost of a hybrid car. Use the following resources to determine the initial cost of the car and the cost of maintaining the car (gas and repairs) less the incentives of a hybrid car (tax credits). You may want to compare a few hybrid models to present to your group. Create a chart to showcase your findings.
http://www.hybridcars.com/ : Hybrid cars in recent news
http://www.hybridcars.com/cars.html : Compare hybrid car models
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/corporations/article/0,,id=203122,00.html : tax credits for hybrid cars by model year
http://automobiles.honda.com/shop/civic-hybrid.aspx?Group=hybrids : Honda Civic Hybrid pricing and details
http://www.toyota.com/sem/prius.html?srchid=K610_p312826621 : Toyota Prius pricing and details
http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/fusion/?searchid=426441|28115785|205351588 : Ford Fusion pricing and details
http://gasbuddy.com/ : gas prices
Role: Determine the value of a gas car
Your role is to determine the cost of a gas car. Use the following resources to determine the initial cost of the car and the cost of maintaining the car (gas and repairs). You may want to compare a few models to present to your group. Make sure you are choosing models that have comparable hybrid counterparts. Create a chart to showcase your findings.
http://automobiles.honda.com/shop/civic-coupe.aspx?Group=civics : Honda Civic pricing and details
http://www.toyota.com/modelselector/ : Toyota car models pricing and details
http://www.fordvehicles.com/cars/fusion/ : Ford Fusion pricing and details
http://gasbuddy.com/ : gas prices
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XewIWTwkVhE : pros and cons of hybrid cars
Conclusion: Comparing the cost
Create a presentation for the class that explains the cost analysis of buying a hybrid car. Critique the methods used to determine the economic value of the environment, gas cars, and hybrid cars. Determine equations that can be used to calculate the costs of owning a car based on the initial costs and gas mileage. Determine the range of miles or cost of gas that would be appropriate for each type of vehicle.
Use the following resources to support your stance and discuss whether these views coincided with those of your group. Communicate the impact to the environment as well as the economic impact of owning a hybrid car. Include your personal recommendation on what consumers should purchase and why.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/alternative-fuel/news/2690341 : How do the numbers add up on alternative fuel sources?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LV2W36fPWng : How does a hybrid car work?
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/01/28/buy.hybrid/index.html : Reasons to buy a hybrid – or not.
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=435228 : Fuel economy: Gas versus Hybrid
Assessment: rubric for presentations Excellent Developing Emerging Environmental Role Showed accurate knowledge of the environmental impact of hybrid versus gas cars and associated a specific economic value with that environmental impact Showed accurate knowledge of the environmental impact of hybrid versus gas cars Showed research of the environmental impact of hybrid versus gas cars Hybrid Role Showed accurate knowledge of the economic value of a hybrid car including initial costs, gas cost, tax incentives, and maintenance costs. Accurately supported calculations and equations. Showed accurate knowledge of the economic value of a hybrid car including initial costs, gas cost, tax incentives, and maintenance costs. Showed knowledge of the economic value of a hybrid car including initial costs. Gas Role Showed accurate knowledge of the economic value of a hybrid car including initial costs, gas cost, tax incentives, and maintenance costs. Accurately supported calculations and equations. Showed accurate knowledge of the economic value of a hybrid car including initial costs, gas cost, tax incentives, and maintenance costs. Showed knowledge of the economic value of a hybrid car including initial costs. Communication of findings Clearly presented findings and research and explained the cost-benefit analysis. Supported final decision with research. Presented findings, research, and the cost benefit analysis. Supported final decision with research. Presented findings, research, and a final decision.
Is it worth it?
This webquest provides students with the ability to connect economics and mathematics to real world concepts by putting themselves in the place of a real world consumer. Without technology it would be difficult to acquire the prices and research necessary to make an informed consumer decision. Within a classroom it would be impossible unless the teacher presented the information directly. Presenting the information directly would greatly depreciate the value of the assignment because it would become another contrived learning opportunity instead of a real world challenge.
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