One day, in math class... I took out my checkbook. I showed my students the space on the check that requires a number amount, written in WORD form.I explained how EVERY time I write a check to pay my bills or my rent, I am required to know exactly how to spell each number amount in word form, so that the bank can transfer the appropriate amount of money from my account.Lightbulbs went off. Sometimes, it is not until we explicitly show our students applications of math in the "real world" that we