“When will I ever have to use the math I learn in school in real life?”

This is a question Keriann Obrochta has heard over and over again from her students at Benjamin Middle School in West Chicago. Obrochta has the answer — she teaches math through real life scenarios. After receiving a grant from ING DIRECT, Obrochta’s students learn how to handle their finances.

From computer programs on how to use a checking account, to letting the students plan their own cyber vacations, Obrochta is teaching how life and math go hand-in-hand.

Q Why did you apply for this grant?
A There is always information on what grants are available. We saw the grant on ING DIRECT and decided to apply for it. We received a $1,000 grant.

Q Did you think you would be awarded this grant in the beginning?
A It was great news to hear we had gotten it. I was very excited to start this new program for the students. It will definitely help them in the future.

Q What is the program?
A It’s a math scenario program on the computer. It allows the students to use the computer and do real life things. There is a grocery store and they write out checks for the food. They then have to balance the checkbook. The students also came up with some of their own scenarios. One example is a snowboarding trip they had to finance. This is a way to incorporate banking into math class. They can also gain or lose money in their accounts by getting a good grade or turning in an assignment late.

Q Why is this important?
A In middle school the students always ask what math has to do with real life. They want to know when and why they will ever have to know this stuff. It gives math a purpose and makes it seem real to the students to intertwine it into real life scenarios.

Q Has receiving this grant inspired you to go after more grants?
A Yes, but at the moment I want to work with what I have got. I want to be able to fix and expand this program we’re using now and I really don’t want to take on too much. This is the first year we’re using it and I want to get all the quarks worked out — the only way to do that is by trial and error.

Q What advice do you have for others?
A The more you can relate real life the more they’ll learn. They won’t forget it the moment they walk out the door. When they’re with mom at the store and she writes a check, they will have a better understanding of what is going on. It becomes something they will take away with them forever, not just a concept of the moment.