Unit Prices and Best Buys

Active learning works well for unit prices because comparing real-world prices requires students to manipulate quantities and costs directly. Hands-on work with flyers and simulations helps them see how unit rates reveal hidden savings that total prices alone cannot show.

• Grade 6
• Mathematics
• 4 activities
• 20 min–50 min

Learning Objectives

1. Calculate the unit price for various products given total cost and quantity.
2. Compare unit prices from different purchasing options to identify the best value.
3. Analyze how package size and marketing claims can influence perceptions of value.
4. Explain the relationship between unit price and overall cost savings.
5. Evaluate the reasonableness of unit prices in real-world shopping scenarios.

Ready-to-Use Activities

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Flyer Scavenger Hunt: Unit Price Challenge

Provide grocery flyers to small groups. Students select three similar items in different sizes, calculate unit prices, and identify the best buy for each. Groups present their top picks to the class with calculations shown.

Prepare & details

Explain how unit prices help us determine the true cost of an item.

Facilitation Tip: During the Flyer Scavenger Hunt, circulate to ensure students correctly identify the unit type (e.g., per gram, per millilitre) before calculating prices.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 30 min·Pairs

Shopping Simulation: Budget Best Buys

Give pairs a fixed budget and shopping list. They calculate unit prices from sample products, choose best values, and track total spending. Pairs compare carts and explain choices in a share-out.

Prepare & details

Compare different purchasing options to identify the best value.

Facilitation Tip: In the Shopping Simulation, model how to check calculations by estimating unit prices first to avoid errors with decimals.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 50 min·Whole Class

Marketing Mix-Up: Price Puzzle

Whole class reviews altered ads with misleading sizes. Students compute unit rates to spot tricks, vote on best buys, and redesign one ad for clarity. Discuss results collaboratively.

Prepare & details

Analyze how marketing strategies can obscure the true unit price of products.

Facilitation Tip: For the Marketing Mix-Up activity, provide calculators only after students have practiced the division by hand to build fluency.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Problem-Based Learning

⏱ 20 min·Individual

Personal Best Buy Journal: Individual Audit

Individuals track a weekly purchase, calculate its unit price against alternatives online or from memory, and reflect on savings. Share one insight in a quick class round-robin.

Prepare & details

Explain how unit prices help us determine the true cost of an item.

Setup: Groups at tables with access to research materials

Materials: Problem scenario document, KWL chart or inquiry framework, Resource library, Solution presentation template

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Teaching This Topic

Teach unit prices by starting with simple whole numbers before moving to decimals, as this builds confidence in division. Avoid rushing to the calculator, as manual calculation reinforces number sense. Research shows that students who explain their unit price comparisons to peers retain the concept longer and develop stronger critical thinking skills.

What to Expect

Successful learning looks like students accurately calculating unit prices, justifying their choices with clear comparisons, and using these skills to make cost-effective purchasing decisions. They should also explain why a larger package is not always the better value and how unit types affect comparisons.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During Flyer Scavenger Hunt, watch for students who compare total prices instead of unit prices.

What to Teach Instead

Have them recalculate unit prices side by side and ask, 'Which one costs less per gram?' to redirect their focus.

Common Misconception

During Shopping Simulation, watch for students who assume the larger package is always cheaper.

What to Teach Instead

Prompt them to check the unit price on the shelf label and discuss why the smaller package might be the better buy.

Common Misconception

During Marketing Mix-Up, watch for students who confuse unit types (e.g., per apple vs. per kilogram).

What to Teach Instead

Ask them to sort products into groups by unit type before recalculating to clarify definitions.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

After Flyer Scavenger Hunt, provide two products (e.g., 250g for $3.50 and 500g for $6.00) and ask students to calculate unit prices and justify their choice. Collect work to check accuracy and reasoning.

Exit Ticket

After Shopping Simulation, give students a scenario: 'A 300ml bottle costs $2.10, and a 500ml bottle costs $3.00. Which is the better buy? Explain in one sentence.' Use responses to assess their ability to compute and justify unit prices.

Discussion Prompt

During Marketing Mix-Up, pose the question: 'A 'buy 2 for $5' deal is advertised. How can unit prices help you decide if this is a better deal than buying one for $2.60?' Listen for explanations that include recalculating unit prices and comparing them.

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge early finishers to find a product where the larger package has a higher unit price, then present their findings to the class.
• Scaffolding: Provide pre-calculated unit prices in a table for students to compare, then ask them to verify one calculation themselves.
• Deeper exploration: Have students design their own 'best buy' challenge using store flyers, including a justification for their choices.

Key Vocabulary

Unit Price	The cost of one item or a specific amount of an item, such as per gram, per millilitre, or per item. It is calculated by dividing the total price by the total quantity.
Unit Rate	A rate that is expressed as a quantity per one unit of another quantity. For example, dollars per kilogram or cents per litre.
Best Buy	The product or option that offers the lowest unit price, representing the greatest value for money.
Value	The worth or usefulness of something in relation to its cost. In this context, it refers to getting the most product for the least amount of money.