Chocolates in the classroom
Constants, rates, cost & profit through a hands-on approach
Why we did it
Each teacher that participated was then asked to create at least one fun and exciting activity that was influenced by our experience. I chose to talk to students about marketing and sales.
How it worked
Prior to completing the activity, I had Mesh Mixer downloaded in one of our school computer labs. We talked about how different costs affect final prices differently. We discussed the plan of action.
Day 1: Took pictures of 3D models.
Day 2: Worked with Mesh Mixer to create a printable 3D model
Wait time- I had to decide what to do because our models didn't turn out as we had planned and the model that had turned out was not formatted in a way that worked with the printer at Delta College
Day 3: Teacher demonstrated how molds are made using a crayon-based tractor and brown sugar. We talked about how to make the most of time and supplies.
Day 4: Students met in the lab, were given supplies and were able to create their own chocolate tractors.
Day 5: Students and teacher reviewed how the project relates to modern manufacturing and math. We talked about the chocolate as a variable, the brown sugar and pans as a constant. We discussed what choices companies have to make in certain circumstances such as a power-outage (tripped breaker!), down time, not enough machinery, not being able to meet demand, wasted material (Research and Development), benefits/disadvantages of different events.