In another method of demonstrating how mathematics, particularly fractions, and music coexist, we can turn to a legendary performer who is coming out of retirement to perform at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Cher is coming out of retirement to perform once again but instead of going out on tour, people can go to see her. I would imagine that takes a little bit of the toll off of the body. But where does this factor into math lessons and fractions?
In a math and social studies combined with music research project, you can lead a 4-6th grade class in discovering a load of interesting details on Cher and Caesars Palace. Start it off by dividing the class up into groups equal to the number of computers you have at your disposal for research.
One group or set of groups will be assigned the task of finding the total number of songs Cher has recorded. Then they need to follow it up how many of the individual songs became hits. From there, the group is to report to the class what fraction of her songs per album and what fraction of her songs in Cher’s entire body of work became hits. As a future lesson, you can take this data learned by the class to see if it holds true for other performers.
In another group or set of groups, they are assigned to figure out just how many seats are in Caesars Palace divided up amongst the three levels and 26 sections. They are to report to the class on the fractions of what seats are available at which level, side, center, or any of the additional parameters involved.
In the last group, they are assigned to find out how much revenue per show the production of Cher’s show can generate. Then that revenue total is to be broken down and represented as both a dollar amount and a fraction based on the variety of expenses. Then these groups are to submit their report to the class.
Finally, then comes the reward for this major research project that will incorporate Least Common Multiples, Greatest Common Factors and several other aspects of working with fractions. The reward, if your school lives close enough or is wealthy enough, would be Cher tickets at Caesars Palace. However, the more likely result would be getting a letter and fan package sent to the class from Cher’s PR group and copies of her music.
No one ever said math was boring. One just needs to spice it up to show how important it is.
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