Math for Business Operations

Applied Accounting with Excel

UNIT08 - Lesson 7

Project Rehearsal with Shared Data

45 minutes
Lesson Overview

Lesson Focus

Practice with shared teacher dataset, trace logic chain, peer audit

Key Unit Objectives

Enduring Understandings:

  • Long-term assets are tracked differently from everyday expenses because they provide value over multiple periods
  • Depreciation method choice affects reported profits, tax obligations, and asset book values over time
  • Professional asset tracking requires organized registers with cost, useful life, salvage value, and method documentation
  • The depreciation decision has real consequences for financial statement presentation and business decision-making

Lesson Activities

Activity 1: Shared Dataset Practice
15 minutes

All teams work with the same teacher-provided asset dataset

Details:

  • Distribute shared rehearsal asset dataset
  • Build asset register and depreciation schedule
  • Verify results match expected answers
  • Ensure all teams can produce consistent, accurate results
Activity 2: Logic Chain Trace
15 minutes

Trace the complete logic from asset register to recommendation

Details:

  • Asset register inputs → Depreciation calculations → Method comparison
  • Method comparison → Business rationale → Policy recommendation
  • Identify any weak links in the chain
  • Strengthen evidence connections between workbook and recommendation
Activity 3: Peer Audit Against Definition of Done
10 minutes

Teams exchange workbooks and audit against quality standards

Details:

  • Use peer audit checklist to evaluate completeness and accuracy
  • Check: All assets entered? All calculations correct? Method justified?
  • Check: Recommendation supported by workbook evidence?
  • Provide specific, actionable feedback
Activity 4: Final Polish Planning
5 minutes

Plan final revisions based on peer audit feedback

Details:

  • Review audit feedback and prioritize changes
  • Assign revision tasks for Day 8
  • Preview: Day 8 is project kickoff with group-specific datasets
Required Materials
  • Shared rehearsal workbook
  • Peer audit checklist
  • Definition of Done
  • Shared rehearsal asset dataset
Differentiation Strategies

For Struggling Students

  • • Scaffolded asset register with pre-filled asset descriptions
  • • Formula templates for depreciation calculations
  • • Step-by-step build guide with screenshots
  • • Peer mentoring partnerships with advanced students
  • • Reduced asset count while maintaining authentic business context

For Advanced Students

  • • Extension challenge: Add partial-year depreciation logic
  • • Compare three or more depreciation methods
  • • Leadership roles: Mentor teammates and facilitate peer critique
  • • Deep dive: Tax vs. book depreciation differences
  • • Research MACRS depreciation and its real-world application

For English Language Learners

  • • Depreciation terminology glossary with visual aids
  • • Key formulas explained in plain language with examples
  • • Recommendation templates with language scaffolding
  • • Visual depreciation schedule examples
  • • Partner with fluent English speakers for presentation preparation