ABSTRACT
Abstract reasoning can be a challenge for students, especially younger ones. There are several digital manipulatives available for students, such as ST Math, which often requires students to manipulate objects in order to arrive at the correct answer, or visual manipulatives like tangrams, which represent physical objects. Helping students to think abstractly, or develop outside-the-box thinking, will lead to more creativity and innovation. Students will explore maintaining a monthly budget. Students will be assigned a salary and required to rent an apartment, purchase groceries and other necessities, pay bills, and see if they can stay under budget. Throughout the course of the project, students can randomly draw life cards. These life cards include surprise scenarios. Some of these scenarios are positive developments; others are not. Students must adjust their budgets according to these life cards.
