on the road

Objectives

1. To reinforce planning and budgeting skills

2. To instill awareness of the potential costs and savings associated with various means of transportation

Discussion

Introduce money management as it pertains to transportation with the following discussion points:

  • What are the students’ primary modes of transportation? What are the costs associated with these forms of transportation?
  • Discuss the pros and cons to various forms of transportation (i.e. a bus is inexpensive, but slow; a taxi is convenient, but expensive, etc.)
  • What are some ideas to lessen the expenses associated with day-to-day travel? (get a bus pass, carpool, walk or ride a bicycle, plan ahead of time, etc.)

Activity

TAXI?!

Length: 1 hour
Materials: Instructions for TAXI?!, Errand Lists, Driver Maps, Make it Count Money, Signs (all included on the following pages), 3+ four-wheel scooters, envelopes

  • In this activity, teach and lead students through the TAXI?! game. In the game, students will be asked to complete a list of errands and return home on a set transportation budget. According to cost, time and availability, students will be required to choose between various modes of transportation (taxi, bus and car) as a means to reaching their destination and completing their errands. They will only be given $15.00 each and will need to make sure they can get home in a timely manner, but more importantly – on budget.
  • As this activity is based primarily on the TAXI?! game, please read the Instructions for TAXI?! before starting.
  • This activity is complete once all of the students have had a chance to be Runners in the game.

Extension

  • Ask students to create their own comparative chart comparing all of the various modes of local transportation and their respective costs.

Collaborative Feedback

  • Discuss the challenges associated with transportation costs. What were the positives and negatives of each mode of transportation?
  • The rates provided in the activity are based on real charges – discuss all of the costs that go into running a vehicle to make up those rates.
  • Did anyone think of ways to save money while doing their errands?
  • Did anyone exceed their budget or not complete their errands? What tips might help in the future?

Teacher Tips

  • If time allows, discuss all of the costs associated with having/buying a car – much of this is likely unknown to new drivers!