Lesson Plan Title : How Much is My Gelt Worth?

Age Range: Grade 3 through grade 5 (Elementary)

Overview and Purpose: Students use the traditional gold wrapped chocolate coins, Gelt, and the current price of gold to practice their math skills.

Objective: The student will be able to use current gold price information to determine the value of their Gelt.

Resources:

Gelt (gold foil wrapped chocolate coins)

Information on the current price of gold and the price from last month

Foods scale

Activities:

Give each student three or four pieces of Gelt. Explain that in this activity they are going to determine its worth. Have several students use the scale to weigh their gold pieces. Note whether the pieces are all the same weight or if they vary. Discuss what that means for determining how much their Gelt is worth.

Give students the current price of gold and have them calculate how much each piece is worth and the total value for all the Gelt they have. Have the students do their work individually or in pairs and have them raise their hand when they know the answer. You can continue this activity by asking them to compare the price of gold from this month and last month, how much they would have spent if they bought three of their pieces last month and one piece this month, and how much would they have if they put all their gold pieces together.

Wrap Up:

This lesson can be followed up with a teacher created worksheet that the students complete at home. Remember to consider any children with allergies when you are using this lesson.