An infographic is a great tool to not only enhance teaching but to enhance student learning in all subject areas. Infographics are visual tools that break down complex information by using charts, graphs, pictures, diagrams, statistics, and data. Infographics increase student engagement, enhance learning, and critical thinking beyond what verbal and/or written instruction or communication can offer.
“Infographics often prove so effective in educational contexts because they use imagery to highlight, explain, or enhance text-based information. They have the unique ability to capture attention, convey information, and encourage data retention despite their complex nature. That means infographics can be ideal for teaching the basics of complicated processes or breaking down high-level data for all types of audiences.”
(Direct source: The Benefits of Infographics For Education)
I just so happen to teach 4th grade and read Charlie in the Chocolate Factory in the first weeks of the school year. Many students have read this book, have seen the movie, or both. So when Grant at straightnorth.com sent this infographic my way, I knew I had to share it with a focus on how infographics can be used to enhance teaching and learning.
The infographic takes a closer look at Mr. Wonka’s story and calculates the costs of bringing his world of pure imagination to life today. Since it relates to STEM and sustainability, Grant thought this would make a great educational resource as well as providing the guest post below, including a FREE PDF of the infographic and a brief teaching guide.
It’s hard not to love the magical world that Roald Dahl created in his iconic children’s book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Most of us have daydreamed about what it would have been like to win a golden ticket and go on a tour of Willy Wonka’s factory.
But how much exactly would that world cost? How much would the Wonka company be worth? How much would the Oompa Loompas get paid? We dissected every element of Mr. Dahl’s story to calculate the costs of bringing his world of pure imagination to life today. Here’s how things added up.
Creators of the Resource: Advanced Technology Services
Get the PDF version: What-Willy-Wonkas-Chocolate-Factory-Would-Cost-Today to use in your classroom!
As it turns out, it’s quite expensive to run Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. We estimate that the yearly energy costs for the factory would be $2 million. If Willy Wonka wanted to go green and power his factory using solar energy, it would take approximately 3,221 solar panels to supply about 1,180,692 kWH per year, which would cost a whopping $2.37 billion.
In addition to the costs of keeping the building running, Wonka certainly spares no expense when it comes to the “wow” factor in his factory. By our estimations, the famous chocolate river needs 150,000 gallons of chocolate, which would come out to a staggering cost of $32.6 million (which includes the cost of purchasing and running the pump to ensure the chocolate is flowing). If Wonka wanted to get more food-conscious customers and go organic, he would be looking at a cost of $47.1 million to keep the river flowing.
Some of Wonka’s other luxuries like the lickable wallpaper (about $2,600 to cover 653 square feet of hallway) and a golden goose egg (about $6,032 each) are less expensive but still add up. The most luxurious and expensive item in Wonka’s factory would be his flying glass elevator, which we estimate would cost about $109 million when you combine the costs of an average elevator and a low-end market rocket from Lockheed Martin. If Wonka ever wanted to up the ante and go with a premium rocket (like Elon Musk’s SpaceX BFR), his costs would skyrocket to about $10 billion.
And what about the Oompa Loompas? Thankfully Wonka takes pretty good care of his trusted employees, spending about $8 million per year on their healthcare and about $73 million per year for their salaries, which average about 50k per year. Also, if Mr. Wonka wanted to boost morale and treat the Oompa Loompas to Taco Tuesday every week, we estimate it would cost about $25,000 each time (hey those guys work hard!).
In total, it looks like Mr. Wonka and co. are looking at a grand total of $224.6 million to keep the factory running each year. These costs may be exorbitant, and we can think of a few ways to pare down, but what fun would that be?
So after all of these enormous costs to run the chocolate factory, what is the company’s worth? We estimate that Mr. Wonka’s company is worth $21.5 billion, which is about on par with what the chocolate mogul, Cadbury, is worth.
Take-Home Points:
- An Infographic is a visual tool to enhance both teaching and learning.
- Infographics are great for breaking down complex information visually (charts, diagrams, pictures, statistics, data, graphs, etc).
- Infographics increase student engagement and critical thinking.
Use the PDF, What-Willy-Wonkas-Chocolate-Factory-Would-Cost-Today, to enhance your teaching and your students’ learning and grab the Willy Wonka Teaching Guide to get started! Since many students have read this book before and depending on which grade level you teach, you can get started with this infographic right away.
Do you use infographics to enhance your teaching and student learning? If so, please share in the comments.
If you’d like to use infographics more for teaching and learning, read The Benefits of Infographics For Education. This site is really helpful for getting started with using infographics for teaching and learning. Maybe you can even design your own!
Join the forums to collaborate with other AMAZING teachers! Follow me to be notified when new resources are uploaded to the Shop and join the email list to receive the latest and greatest updates, posts, and freebies!
If you like it, then pin it!
Thanks for reading!
Christine Weis is a passionate educator, classroom management coach, wife, and mom of two busy boys. She enjoys teaching, writing, and creating resources for teachers.
I love visual aids so Infographics are a fantastic learning tool. There are programs that help us create them too.
Yes, I agree! These visuals help so many learners! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Infographics are amazing. They make it easier for me to remember the information given.
They really are! Visuals are so great for learning retention! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I believe in the power of infographics. It’s easier to memorize and it’s visually appealing. It also breaks the monotony of paragraphs.
Yes! I completely agree! Visual tools aid in comprehension. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I love infographics. It’s straight to the point and the pictures catches attention. A great way to spread information.
Exactly! I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Infographics surely help in simplifying complicated ideas.. When done really well, they could definitely be helpful in improving both teaching and learning processes.
Yes! I completely agree! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
As a visual learner I LOVE infographics. They are also pretty fun to put together! It really makes someone stop and take notice of data that would otherwise be kind of boring. Such a great idea to incorporate them into the classroom!
Yes! Infographics are perfect for visual learners! I hope to incorporate more into the classroom this year during remote learning! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I honestly learn so much easier with infographics! Other than this one being easy to understand, the topic covered is also interesting! A very fun way to learn about money and science 🙂 (I’m a Willy Wonka fan!)
Me too! I love the movie and the book! I think this topic is both familiar and interesting to both students and adults of all ages. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Infographics are a great way to put a message across. II used to create infographics for our department newsletter when I was still holding a corporate post. It is definitely an awesome learning tool too. Children are visual learners so this will really appeal to them and help them retain information better.
I agree that children are visual learners and they need to see and do more than just read and write. Plus this is an appealing topic. Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I love infographics! I am such a visual learner and most of my students were as well. It definitely helps keep the students more engaged.
Yes! Infographics definitely increase student engagement! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I think infographics are a great too if they’re straightforward and not too busy. They tend to combine text with visuals in a pretty compelling way.
I agree that some infographics can be way too complex. Finding the right infographics for the right age group is key! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
Yes, I see your point, there are a lot of people out there that need visuals to learn, and theres just nothing wrong with that 🙂
Many people are visual learners as it aids in comprehension! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I’m a visual learner and I think these are great and would definitely help those that are also visual learners.
Yes! I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
So many learn better with visuals. I know I’m one of those people. So I can see how it would enhance learning!
Yes, definitely! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
oh my gosh. i love your infographic from charlie and the chocolate factory. the healthcare costs were so high. that shocked me how the numbers would work but i’m sure your kids would love this.
I find this infographic really interesting as well. Who would have thought, right?! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I LOVE Infographics and the indeed are really helpful with learning. Sometimes it is easier to have it presented visually instead of just read. That Willy Wonka infographic is awesome!
I agree! Kids need to see and do, not just read and write! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers
I love this idea so much. I think one of the reasons that kids get so bored at school is because everything is so dry and droning. Graphics are a great way to add a visual component to the learning process.
I think infographics definitely will boost student engagement and interest! A visual tool such as this! does just that! Thanks for reading!
Christine at For The Love of Teachers