Cashier Change Challenge Lesson Plan Cashier Change Challenge
Lesson Plan • 6th Grade Math
30 MIN
Objective
Students will be able to accurately calculate total costs and the correct change due in various real-world purchasing scenarios, demonstrating proficiency in addition and subtraction of decimals.
Why This Matters
Mastering change calculation is a vital life skill. It empowers students to manage their money confidently, understand transactions, and avoid common errors when buying and selling, making them smart consumers and potential cashiers!
Materials
Whiteboard or projector
Worksheet (per student)
Slide Deck
Answer Key (for teacher)
Teacher Preparation (10 min)
Review the Cashier Change Challenge Slide Deck .
Print copies of the Cashier Change Challenge Worksheet for each student.
Have the Answer Key ready for quick checking.
Ensure whiteboard/projector and markers are accessible.
Lesson Steps
5m
Introduction: Why Change Matters
• Ask: "Have you ever bought something and gotten change back? How do you know if it's the right amount?"
• Explain that today, they'll become 'cashiers' and learn how to make sure customers always get the correct change.
• Use the first few slides to set the stage and introduce the concepts of Total Cost and Change Due .
10m
Guided Practice: Let's Make Change!
• Display Slide 3 with the example scenario (Candy Bar & Juice Box).
• Walk through the example step-by-step: Identify prices → Calculate Total (Addition) → Identify Payment → Calculate Change (Subtraction).
• Ask: "What operation should we use to find the total?" or "How can we find the change back?"
10m
Independent Practice: Cashier Challenge
• Distribute the Cashier Change Challenge Worksheet .
• Students work through scenarios individually or in pairs.
• Circulate and provide support, ensuring students are showing their work and aligning decimals correctly.
5m
Review and Wrap-up
• Review one or two tricky scenarios using the Answer Key and Slides 6-7 .
• Ask students what strategies they used for accuracy (e.g., estimation, double-checking subtraction).
• Conclude: "Now you're all expert cashiers!"
Cashier Change Challenge Presentation Cashier Change Challenge
How much change should you get back?
Start with an engaging question to activate prior knowledge.
Our Goal Today
1
Accurately calculate total costs.
2
Give the correct change back to customers.
3
Become a "Change Master"!
Introduce the objective of the lesson.
Let's Practice: Example 1
POS SYSTEM 1.0
Order Details
Candy Bar $1.00
Juice Box $1.50
Customer Payment
$5.00 Bill
Question 1:
What is the total cost of the items?
Question 2:
How much change is due to the customer?
Walk through a simple example step-by-step. Encourage student participation.
Example 1: Solution
Total Cost Calculation
$1.00 + $1.50 = $2.50
Change Due Calculation
$5.00 - $2.50 = $2.50
Good job, Cashiers! 🎉
Reveal the solution to the first example.
Your Turn! The Challenge Begins!
Grab your worksheet and work through the 4 scenarios:
Calculate the Total Cost .
Calculate the Change Due .
Show Your Work!
Worksheet Scenarios 1 - 4
10 Minutes Independent Practice
Explain that students will now try similar problems on their own.
Reviewing the Challenge
"Let's look at one of the scenarios from the worksheet together."
Which one caused you the most trouble?
Scenario 1
Scenario 2
Scenario 3
Scenario 4
Review a challenging scenario. Use this slide to prompt class discussion.
You're a Change Master!
You can now confidently:
Add Prices Correctly
Calculate Change Due
Great work, everyone!
Conclude by summarizing the key learning.
Cashier Change Challenge Worksheet Cashier Change Challenge: How Much is Left?
Register #01
Student Name
Date
Directions: Imagine you are a cashier! For each scenario, calculate the total cost, the change due, and show your work. Remember, the customer always gets the correct change!
Scenario 1: The Snack Attack!
Items Purchased
Bag of Chips $1.75
Soda $2.25
Customer Pays $5.00
1. What is the total cost of the items?
2. How much change should you give?
3. Show your work:
Scenario 2: School Supply Run
Items Purchased
Notebook $3.50
Pencils (pack) $1.25
Eraser $0.75
Customer Pays $10.00
1. What is the total cost of the items?
2. How much change should you give?
3. Show your work:
Scenario 3: Sweet Treat Stop
Items Purchased
Chocolate Bar $1.50
Gummy Candies $1.10
Customer Pays $20.00
1. What is the total cost of the items?
2. How much change should you give?
3. Show your work:
Scenario 4: The Art Project
Items Purchased
Paint Set $8.99
Brushes $4.50
Canvas $6.00
Customer Pays $20.00
1. What is the total cost of the items?
2. How much change should you give?
3. Show your work:
Cashier Change Challenge Answer Key Cashier Change Challenge
Answer Key • Teacher Resource
VERIFIED
Scenario 1: The Snack Attack!
Order Info
Chips: $1.75
Soda: $2.25
Paid: $5.00
1. Total Cost
$4.00
2. Change Due
$1.00
Work Shown
Total: $1.75 + $2.25 = $4.00
Scenario 2: School Supply Run
Order Info
Notebook: $3.50
Pencils: $1.25
Eraser: $0.75
Paid: $10.00
1. Total Cost
$5.50
2. Change Due
$4.50
Work Shown
Total: $3.50 + $1.25 + $0.75 = $5.50
Scenario 3: Sweet Treat Stop
Order Info
Choc. Bar: $1.50
Gummies: $1.10
Paid: $20.00
1. Total Cost
$2.60
2. Change Due
$17.40
Work Shown
Total: $1.50 + $1.10 = $2.60
Scenario 4: The Art Project
Order Info
Paint Set: $8.99
Brushes: $4.50
Canvas: $6.00
Paid: $20.00
1. Total Cost
$19.49
2. Change Due
$0.51
Work Shown
Total: $8.99 + $4.50 + $6.00 = $19.49
