Math Missions
Vending Machine Math: Adding & Subtracting Decimals
Bring decimals and financial literacy to life with this real-world, print-and-go Math Mission! Students practice adding and subtracting decimals by starting a vending machine business. Five engaging tasks cover the mechanics of using a vending machine (i.e. calculating change, purchasing items), business concepts (i.e. profit), and culminate in drawing the finished machine. It's an engaging way to incorporate personal financial literacy standards like TEKS 4.10.B, along with critical thinking and creativity.
- Decimals, Financial LiteracyTopics like operations, money, discounts
- Word ProblemsMove beyond the formulas
- 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th GradeAligned to Common Core State Standards
- Math ProjectsReal-life math projects to make math real.
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Why you'll love this
It's incredibly easy to use in your classroom — print either the black-and white or color-version, and use the included answer key and rubric. The final drawing task makes it a perfect back-to-school activity, as you can hang up the resulting vending machine in your classroom.
Includes...
✅ Teacher instruction sheet. (1 page)
✅ Student task sheets in black-and-white. (7 pages)
✅ Student task sheets in color. (7 pages)
✅ Project rubric in both black-and-white and color. (2 pages)
✅ Answer key. (5 pages)
5 fun and engaging tasks...
✴️ Task 1: "Press and Play" - Calculate cost of given collections of products on a given vending machine. (Skills: Adding Decimals)
✴️ Task 2: "Count Your Change" - Calculate change returned by a given vending machine for given collections of products and a given bill (e.g. $5, $10). (Skills: Adding and Subtracting Decimals)
✴️ Task 3: "Pick Your Top 5" - Calculate cost and change returned for items of your choice selected from a given vending machine. (Skills: Adding and Subtracting Decimals)
✴️ Task 4: "Stock Your Vending Machine" - Write a business plan for a vending machine, selecting a location and products to stock. Calculate profit for items. (Skills: Adding and Subtracting Decimals, Critical Thinking)
✴️ Task 5: "Draw Your Dream Vending Machine" - Draw the vending machine from the business plan that you just wrote. (Skills: Decimals, Creativity)
Great for…
⭐ Back-to-School, Spiral Review Lessons
⭐ Emergency Sub Plans
⭐ Homeschool Activities
⭐ Homework & Independent Practice
⭐ Learning Centers & After School Math Programs
Reviews for our Math Missions products...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pamela J. - “Loved it”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️ Heather R. - “Used as a choice activity for students! They lived [loved] this activity!!”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Sarah Hall’s Shop (TpT Seller) - “Students LOVED this. I used this for extra credit and the kids loved being able to make their mine craft character their own. It was so cool to see their character come to life and their happiness over how great it looked. SA and V worksheets were helpful too for review.”
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“My students worked on this as a review with a sub one day while I was out. Everyone was engaged and enjoyed the activity. Thank you!!”
—Rachel Garay
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“My kids loved being able to combine their love of art with our current math skill. It was challenging and fun at the same time. ”
—Megan F.
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“I loved the different levels. I used it as Level 1 = C, Level 2 = B, Level 3 = A. I also liked a different way to doodle.”
—Renae B.
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“My student really enjoyed this activity! Thank you!”
—Rachel G.
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“Students LOVED this. I used this for extra credit and the kids loved being able to make their mine craft character their own. It was so cool to see their character come to life and their happiness over how great it looked. SA and V worksheets were helpful too for review.”
—Sarah Hall's Shop
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“Used for a sub plan as a review for my students. They enjoyed this activity.”
—Sue M.
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“Great resource and activity!”
—Micaela F.
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“Used as a choice activity for students! They lived this activity!! ”
— Heather R.
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“Super cute resource. My Year 9's really enjoyed this worksheet.”
—Order Of Ops
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“Easy to use, great resource.”
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“Loved it”
—Pamela J.
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“This made a great check for understanding and allowed my students to enjoy a "project" where they could work in teams. ”
—Dana H.
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“The students loved getting creative with this resource!”
—Kristin C.
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“Love it!”
—Yire M.
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“My students absolutely love these pixel art projects. I love that they are self checking making it easier for grading! ”
—Melissa F.
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“Great resource to use on sub day or as a quick check in class. Love”
— Ginger Wilson
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“My class is a review of all kinds of math, so this resource was a fun way for students to review. They also enjoy coloring!”
— Stephanie W.
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“Great resource! My students loved it and it was just what I needed.”
—Abbey Abloom
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