Mathematics · Grade 6

Active learning ideas

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.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• 6.RP.A.2
• 6.RP.A.3.B

• 20–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• 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.

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.

What to look for

Provide students with two different sizes of the same product (e.g., juice boxes: 6 for $3.00, 12 for $5.00). Ask them to calculate the unit price for each option and determine which is the better buy, showing their work.

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

Activity 02

• 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.

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.

What to look for

Present students with a scenario: 'A 500g bag of chips costs $4.00, and a 750g bag costs $5.25. Which bag offers a better unit price? Explain your reasoning in one sentence.'

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

Activity 03

• 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.

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.

What to look for

Pose the question: 'Imagine a store advertises 'Buy one, get one free!' How can you use unit prices to figure out if this is truly a better deal than buying a single item at half price?' Facilitate a class discussion on the concept.

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

Activity 04

• 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.

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

What to look for

Provide students with two different sizes of the same product (e.g., juice boxes: 6 for $3.00, 12 for $5.00). Ask them to calculate the unit price for each option and determine which is the better buy, showing their work.

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

A few notes on teaching this unit

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.

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.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Methods used in this brief

• Problem-Based Learning