Robert Ruiz, Mountain Shadows Middle School, Rohnert Park, CA robert_ruiz@crpusd.org

School and Class Summary:

We are Mountain Shadows Middle School. I am using the RealGame California in my 8th Grade Semester Computer Class. I have 24 students participating. They are divided into 3 "towns" -- Voltaire, Blackfield and Purpleton -- with about 8 students in each group.

TRGC 2.1 Implementation:

The game will be played online in the Computer Lab. We will begin February 19, 2010. The students have their username and password.

Unit 1:

Session 1 The Spin Game

The students love this. I gave points for correct answers which will be converted to RealGame Bucks later.

Session 2 The Dream

The students had many questions about real apartments, car payments, rent vs. own. They want to do their budget NOW to see if they can afford the activities on the Dream List.

Session 3 What's My Line?

I first had them go on Kuder and do the surveys of skills and interests there. Then they picked their job (or the closest one) from the RealGame list. I was disappointed that some basic jobs were not listed while some very specific jobs were. For example, there is no Doctor or Engineer. They have Pediatrician and Petroleum Engineer. I will make a list of the jobs I would like to see added and those I think should be dropped and email it later.

Session 4 Our Town

The class is divided into three "towns," Voltaire, Blackwood, and Purpleton. They got their jobs and paychecks, and they deposited their money into the town bank. The town with the most collected in taxes (from Paycheck Deductions) gets a reduction in the cost of transportation, healthcare and education.

Session 5 Who Am I? Who Are You?

The students were each given a test to see if they qualify for their job. One student wanted to be a doctor. I got a Body Systems Unit Test from the Science teacher and gave it to him. He did so well, I gave him a raise. Another student wanted to be an engineer. He was given a geometry test but failed. He chose to be an auto mechanic instead--he loves cars.

Unit 2:

Session 1 After Work -- Skipped

Session 2 Reality Check -- Combined with Financial Picture below.

Session 3 The Financial Picture

The students created a spreadsheet from Excel for their Budget and Expenses. It was a great way to teach Excel and progress through the RealGameCalifornia . (I had difficulty Uploading the Excel file here. Email me for a copy.) The students bought groceries using ads from the newspapers or online sources, they bought toiletries (soap, shampoo, gel, etc.), furnishings (bed, bedding, towels, etc.). Another sheet was Education Expenses. Depending on their job, a certain amount of education was necessary. For our doctor, 7 years at a major university was necessary. They then calculated the monthly expense of paying back the school loans (1% per month) and added this to their Monthly Expenses. We have spent 4 weeks on this spreadsheet. The students realize that "It ain't cheap!" Most have $5 - $10US left at the end of the month.

Session 4 Getting Away -- Skipped, for now.

Session 5 Spin It Again

Combined with Chance Cards and Random RealGame Bucks for a day of entertainment and learning.

Unit 3:

Session 1 Fair Play

Session 2 The Pink Slip

Session 3 Disaster Strikes

Session 4 Transitions

Unit 4:

Session 1 Think Again!

Session 2 Getting To Know Me

Session 3 Follow Your Heart

Session 4 The Big Picture

Session 5 Career Day

Session 6 The Final Spinb

Session 7 Wrap-Up