Description

In this module, students explore algebraic expressions to model different quantities. They look at expressions that involve addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Then they look at real world data from the Star Wars movies since the Disney acquisition of the franchise. Students analyze whether the purchase of the Star Wars franchise has been profitable for Disney.

For this lesson make sure that students are familiar with the definitions of variables, unknowns, and constants. Review definitions are provided. 

Students will learn about modeling and evaluating algebraic expressions. In particular students will look at an expression of the form $px-C$, where p is the price and C is the cost of putting on an event (concert, movie).

Students then look at a real-world application of the Disney purchase of the Star Wars franchise. Students analyze box office data and arrive at an algebraic expression using this data set.

This lesson addresses Common Core standards from grades 6 and 7. This lesson can be assigned to individual students or teams of students. The lesson can be completed in about 20 to 25 minutes.