Introduction
This WebQuest introduces students to financial literacy through a Thanksgiving Dinner budgeting activity. Students will learn how to identify fixed and variable expenses by planning a Thanksgiving meal while staying within a set budget.
Task
In this WebQuest, you will plan a Thanksgiving dinner using a set budget. You will review a list of Thanksgiving expenses, decide which items to purchase, and classify each expense as either fixed or variable. You will complete an expense chart and write explanations to justify your choices.
Process
-
Review the vocabulary words budget, fixed expense, and variable expense with your teacher.
-
Review the Thanksgiving dinner expense list and the set budget for the meal.
-
Use the Thanksgiving checklist to decide which items you will purchase for the dinner.
-
Record each selected item and its cost on the expense chart.
-
Classify each expense as fixed or variable and explain your reasoning using complete sentences.
-
Use a calculator or the provided Excel budget sheet to add your expenses and check that you are staying within the budget.
-
Review your work to make sure all expenses are correctly categorized and explained.
-
Submit your completed expense chart to finish the WebQuest.
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on their ability to correctly identify fixed and variable expenses, complete an expense chart, and provide written explanations. A 4-point rubric will be used to assess accuracy and understanding.
Conclusion
By completing this WebQuest, students learned how to distinguish between fixed and variable expenses and how budgeting helps families make financial decisions, especially during special events like Thanksgiving.