A great resource I have found to apply mathematical thinking is The Stock Market Game. http://www.stockmarketgame.org They have lessons to help you and your students understand stocks and all the math that goes along with it. They even break it down to grade levels 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12. If you are looking for an authentic way to analyze data or practice percents this is a great resource. You can also participate in the game or your students can do it on their own time if interested. Just wanted to share!