In this Math Monday, we’ll cover one of my favorite math activities - MATH: Unit Price. Calculating unit price is a practical skill that students can immediately use as a valuable shopping hack. It’s also timely, as the news is filled with stories about inflation, cost of living, and shrinkflation. By calculating unit price, students can keep an eye on how much their purchases really cost. 

The Activity: 

Students practice calculating unit price using real-world examples of shopping for groceries and school supplies. 

The activity includes an example problem with Edpuzzle video, practice problems, and reflection questions. At the end, students consider why buying the package with the cheapest unit price might not always be the best real-world decision.

Building Engagement and Conceptual Understanding:

• Unit Rate Simulation by PhET
• Click Battle by Desmos

Extend the Personal Finance Learning: If you’re a math teacher, consider using these resources to further explore unit price, budgeting, and inflation.

• DATA CRUNCH: How Have Prices For Consumer Goods Changed Over the Past 20 Years? by NGPF
• DATA CRUNCH: What Does The Average Household Spend Money On? by NGPF
• COMPARE: Comparison Shopping by NGPF
• EDPUZZLE: Understanding Inflation by Red Canoe Credit Union
• ANALYZE: Understanding Inflation by NGPF

For Your Learning: Complete a Summer Challenge before July 16th for a chance to earn amazing prizes! 

If you’re new to NGPF, check out the upcoming Beginner Series Virtual PD opportunities. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the website and curriculum before new math content drops! *hint*

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson

Kathryn (she/her) is excited to join the NGPF team after 9 years of experience in education as a mentor, tutor, and special education teacher. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in policy analysis and management and has a master's degree in education from Brooklyn College. Kathryn is looking forward to bringing her passion for accessibility and educational justice into curriculum design at NGPF. During her free time, Kathryn loves embarking on cooking projects, walking around her Seattle neighborhood with her partner and dog, or lounging in a hammock with a book.