Activity: “Bank Cards: Costs, Benefits, and Risks”

Subject: Mathematics (Number, Money, and Measure)

Level: Second Level (Scottish Curriculum)

Desired Outcome: Students will understand the costs, benefits, and risks associated with using bank cards for purchasing goods or obtaining cash. They will also realize the importance of budgeting.

Materials Needed: 1. Whiteboard or flipchart 2. Markers 3. Printed images of bank cards 4. Printed images of various goods and services 5. Calculator (optional)

Introduction: 1. Begin by asking students if they have ever used a bank card or seen someone using one. 2. Show them printed images of bank cards and ask if they can identify them. 3. Discuss briefly what they know about bank cards and their uses.

Activity: 1. Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students. 2. Provide each group with printed images of various goods and services, such as groceries, clothing, electronics, entertainment, etc. 3. Instruct the groups to discuss and list the costs, benefits, and risks associated with using bank cards to purchase these goods and services. 4. Encourage them to consider factors such as convenience, security, interest rates, fees, and potential overspending. 5. Give the groups around 10-15 minutes to complete their lists.

Group Discussion: 1. Bring the class back together and ask each group to share their findings. 2. Write the costs, benefits, and risks on the whiteboard or flipchart as the groups present them. 3. Facilitate a class discussion to expand on each point and encourage critical thinking. 4. Ask questions like: - What are the potential costs of using a bank card? (e.g., interest charges, fees) - What are the benefits of using a bank card? (e.g., convenience, security) - What are the risks of using a bank card? (e.g., overspending, fraud) - How can budgeting help mitigate these risks?

Real-Life Scenario: 1. Present a real-life scenario to the class, such as a student wanting to buy a new video game using a bank card. 2. Ask the students to discuss in their groups how they would approach this situation, considering the costs, benefits, and risks they have learned about. 3. Encourage them to think about budgeting and how it can help in making informed decisions. 4. Allow each group to share their strategies and reasoning with the class.

Conclusion: 1. Summarize the main points discussed during the activity. 2. Emphasize the importance of understanding the costs, benefits, and risks associated with using bank cards. 3. Highlight the significance of budgeting in managing personal finances effectively. 4. Encourage students to apply these concepts in their daily lives and make informed financial decisions.

Extension Activity (Optional): 1. Provide students with a hypothetical budget and ask them to allocate funds for various expenses using a bank card. 2. Discuss their choices as a class, considering the costs, benefits, and risks involved. 3. Calculate the total expenses and compare it to the available budget, discussing any adjustments that may be necessary.

Note: The activity can be adapted based on the specific needs and abilities of the students.