MTT

The lesson plan that incorporates Excel is found at http://www.microsoft.com/education/makingmoney.mspx#E2D.  This lesson is for middle grade students and gives them some insight of the trials and tribulations of running their own business by operating a lemonade stand.  The students will record all of the  materials, costs,  data, and then analyze how much money you made or lost with the goal of maximizing profits in a given day.  In addition to the math that is included, they will have an understanding of variables and factors that they cannot control such as weather and foot-traffic surrounding their lemonade stand.  I think this is a good real world example of using math in everyday life.  Excel provides a great interface to produce results quickly.