1. Shady Sam’s Smooth Wheels
Shady Sam’s slick wheels turns your classroom into a car dealer negotiation.
Students take on the role of a shady car salesman who must maximize his profits. Through pressure, upselling and scare tactics, they help 3 customers choose the best deal – for the dealer!
2. Shady Sam: Credit shark
Shady Sam: Loan Shark makes counting numbers fun and devious!
Students learn the ‘tricks of the lending trade’ as they play the role of a loan shark and try to maximize their profits. They learn how high fees, high interest rates, and long loan terms can make a loan more expensive for the borrower.
Improve the math
After playing, think about how to make mathematical connections by having students do the following:
- Discuss how extras and charges can affect the overall cost of the car, especially if financed over time
- Find out how the monthly payment or total refund may change with or without certain upgrades
- Compare different student scenarios and ask, “Who got the better deal and why?” use mathematical reasoning to support their claims
- Consider what strategies a smart buyer can use to avoid overpaying, and how these strategies can be supported by math
Combine these games with related math activities, such as:
About the author
Kathryn Dawson
Kathryn (she/her) is excited to join the NGPF team after 9 years of experience in education as a mentor, tutor, and special education teacher. She graduated from Cornell University with a degree in policy analysis and management and received a master’s degree in education from Brooklyn College. Kathryn looks forward to bringing her passion for accessibility and educational justice to curriculum design at NGPF. In her spare time, Kathryn enjoys tackling cooking projects, walking her dog around her Seattle neighborhood, or lounging in a hammock with a book.
More to inform
by Kathryn 
#Math #Monday #Shady #Sam #arcade #games