aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Mathematics
What age group	Year or Grade 9
What topic	Percentages
Quantity	1
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Engaging Introduction to Percentages in Mathematics

Lesson Title: "The Magic of Percentages"

Setting the Scene

Imagine you're shopping for a new smartphone on sale. You’ve spotted your dream model, but it’s marked down with a dazzling 25% discount! Before you rush to buy, how do you determine if this deal is a steal or just a modest saving?

Objectives

Today, we will:

• Understand what percentages are and how they represent parts of a whole.
• Learn how to calculate percentages in various contexts, including discounts and mark-ups.
• Apply our knowledge to everyday scenarios that involve percentages.

Captivating Hook: The Shopping Challenge

To kick off our exploration of percentages, let us dive into an engaging Shopping Challenge.

1. Group Assignment: Divide the class into small teams of 3-4 students. Hand each group a list of five hypothetical items with their original prices and the respective percentage discounts offered. For example:
   • A jacket worth £80 with a 15% discount.
   • A pair of trainers worth £60 with a 20% discount.
2. Calculate & Compete: Each group will calculate the final price after applying the discount to each item on their list. The first group to correctly calculate all prices will win a small prize!

Discussion and Reflection

After the challenge, we will regroup and discuss the results. Ask the teams questions like:

• How did you determine the discounted prices?
• Where else in life might you encounter percentages?
• Why do you think understanding percentages is important?

Transition to Main Lesson

By contextualising the concept of percentages through a fun activity, we're not just learning numbers; we’re linking mathematics to real-life situations. Now, let's dive deeper into the calculations and explore how to manipulate percentages with confidence!

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With this engaging start, students will feel motivated and eager to learn more about percentages, setting a positive tone for the rest of the lesson.