Lesson Plan
Unit Price Smarts
Students will learn to calculate unit prices and apply this knowledge to compare products, making informed purchasing decisions to save money.
Understanding unit pricing is a crucial life skill that empowers young adults to make smart financial choices, stretch their budgets further, and avoid overpaying for everyday items.
Audience
High School Students (Ages 18-22)
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, real-world examples, hands-on practice.
Materials
Smart Shopping Slide Deck, Unit Price Worksheet, Grocery Grab Activity Cards, and Calculators (optional)
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Smart Shopping Slide Deck for content and flow.
- Print copies of the Unit Price Worksheet, one per student.
- Prepare the Grocery Grab Activity Cards by printing and cutting them out, creating sets for small groups or individual students.
- Ensure calculators are available for students if needed.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Shopping Dilemmas
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion: "Has anyone ever wondered if the 'bigger' size is always a better deal at the grocery store? Or why one brand costs more than another for what seems like the same product?"
- Introduce the concept that sometimes packaging can be deceiving.
- Transition to introducing unit pricing as a tool to solve these dilemmas. Refer to Smart Shopping Slide Deck (Slides 1-2).
Step 2
What is Unit Price?
10 minutes
- Use the Smart Shopping Slide Deck (Slides 3-6) to explain what unit price is (cost per unit of measurement, e.g., per ounce, per pound).
- Go through examples of how to calculate unit price step-by-step.
- Facilitate a brief Q&A to check for understanding.
- Distribute the Unit Price Worksheet and have students work on the first few practice problems individually or in pairs. Review answers as a class (refer to Unit Price Answer Key).
Step 3
Grocery Grab Activity
10 minutes
- Introduce the Grocery Grab Activity.
- Divide students into small groups or have them work individually.
- Explain that each group will receive Grocery Grab Activity Cards with different products and their prices/sizes.
- Their task is to calculate the unit price for each item and determine which option is the best value.
- Circulate to assist students and encourage discussion within groups. (Refer to Grocery Grab Answer Key)
Step 4
Wrap-Up: Savvy Shopper Takeaways
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Have groups share their findings from the Grocery Grab Activity.
- Emphasize the importance of checking unit prices for different products and brands.
- Conclude by asking: "How will understanding unit pricing change the way you shop?"
- Collect Unit Price Worksheet if desired for review.
- Assign Cool Down: Unit Price Reflection.
Slide Deck
Unit Price Smarts: Shop Smarter, Not Harder!
Unlock the secret to saving money at the store!
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask a provocative question to get them thinking about their shopping habits.
Shopping Dilemmas 🤔
• Have you ever wondered if the "bigger" size is always a better deal?
• Why does one brand cost more than another for similar products?
• How do you know if you're truly getting the best value?
Pose these questions to the class and encourage a brief discussion. The goal is to highlight common shopping misconceptions.
What is Unit Price?
The price of a single unit of measure for a product.
It helps you compare costs fairly.
Think: price per ounce, per pound, per item, etc.
Introduce the concept of unit price. Explain it clearly and emphasize its role in making informed decisions.
Calculating Unit Price: An Example
Let's say a 12-ounce box of cereal costs $3.60.
Calculation:
$3.60 / 12 ounces = $0.30 per ounce
Unit Price: $0.30/ounce
Walk through this example step-by-step. Break down the calculation for students. Emphasize the division.
Another Example: Apples!
A bag of 3 pounds of apples costs $4.50.
Your Turn: What's the unit price?
Answer: $4.50 / 3 pounds = $1.50 per pound
Provide another example, perhaps with a different unit (e.g., pounds). Ask students to try this one on their own or with a partner before revealing the answer.
Why Does Unit Price Matter?
• Save Money: Find the best deal instantly.
• Smart Comparisons: Easily compare different sizes and brands.
• Informed Decisions: Shop based on value, not just packaging.
• Be a Savvy Shopper!
Summarize why unit pricing is a powerful tool for consumers.
Time to Practice!
Now, let's put your new unit price skills to the test!
Get ready for our Unit Price Worksheet and the Grocery Grab Activity.
Transition to the worksheet and activity. Explain that they will get to practice these skills.
Your Power as a Shopper!
You now have the tools to make smarter shopping choices.
Always look for the unit price to get the most for your money!
Happy Shopping!
Conclude the lesson by reinforcing the main takeaway and encouraging them to use this skill.
Worksheet
Unit Price Practice: Become a Savvy Shopper!
Instructions: For each item, calculate the unit price. Show your work in the space provided. Round to two decimal places if necessary.
1. Cereal
Option A: A 15-ounce box of cereal costs $4.50.
- Unit Price:
Option B: A 20-ounce box of cereal costs $5.20.
- Unit Price:
Which is the better deal?
2. Paper Towels
Option A: A 6-pack of paper towel rolls costs $7.92.
- Unit Price:
Option B: A 12-pack of paper towel rolls costs $13.80.
- Unit Price:
Which is the better deal?
3. Canned Soup
Option A: A 10.5-ounce can of soup costs $1.26.
- Unit Price:
Option B: A 14-ounce can of soup costs $1.54.
- Unit Price:
Which is the better deal?
4. Yogurt
Option A: A 4-pack of 6-ounce yogurt cups costs $3.60.
- Unit Price: (Hint: First find total ounces)
Option B: A large 32-ounce container of yogurt costs $4.16.
- Unit Price:
Which is the better deal?
Activity
Grocery Grab Challenge Cards
Instructions: For each card, calculate the unit price for both options and determine which is the better deal. Show your work!
Card 1: Orange Juice
Option A: 64 fl oz carton for $4.48
- Unit Price per fl oz:
Option B: 128 fl oz carton for $8.32
- Unit Price per fl oz:
Better Deal:
Card 2: Ground Beef
Option A: 1.5 lbs for $7.47
- Unit Price per lb:
Option B: 2.5 lbs for $11.75
- Unit Price per lb:
Better Deal:
Card 3: Dog Food
Option A: 5 lb bag for $9.95
- Unit Price per lb:
Option B: 15 lb bag for $26.85
- Unit Price per lb:
Better Deal:
Card 4: Shampoo
Option A: 12 fl oz bottle for $4.56
- Unit Price per fl oz:
Option B: 20 fl oz bottle for $7.00
- Unit Price per fl oz:
Better Deal:
Card 5: Pasta
Option A: 16 oz box for $1.92
- Unit Price per oz:
Option B: 32 oz box for $3.52
- Unit Price per oz:
Better Deal:
Card 6: Coffee Beans
Option A: 10 oz bag for $8.50
- Unit Price per oz:
Option B: 24 oz bag for $19.20
- Unit Price per oz:
Better Deal:
Answer Key
Unit Price Answer Key
Unit Price Practice: Become a Savvy Shopper!
1. Cereal
Option A: A 15-ounce box of cereal costs $4.50.
- Unit Price: $4.50 / 15 ounces = $0.30 per ounce
Option B: A 20-ounce box of cereal costs $5.20.
- Unit Price: $5.20 / 20 ounces = $0.26 per ounce
Which is the better deal? Option B ($0.26/ounce)
2. Paper Towels
Option A: A 6-pack of paper towel rolls costs $7.92.
- Unit Price: $7.92 / 6 rolls = $1.32 per roll
Option B: A 12-pack of paper towel rolls costs $13.80.
- Unit Price: $13.80 / 12 rolls = $1.15 per roll
Which is the better deal? Option B ($1.15/roll)
3. Canned Soup
Option A: A 10.5-ounce can of soup costs $1.26.
- Unit Price: $1.26 / 10.5 ounces = $0.12 per ounce
Option B: A 14-ounce can of soup costs $1.54.
- Unit Price: $1.54 / 14 ounces = $0.11 per ounce
Which is the better deal? Option B ($0.11/ounce)
4. Yogurt
Option A: A 4-pack of 6-ounce yogurt cups costs $3.60. (Total 24 ounces)
- Unit Price: $3.60 / 24 ounces = $0.15 per ounce
Option B: A large 32-ounce container of yogurt costs $4.16.
- Unit Price: $4.16 / 32 ounces = $0.13 per ounce
Which is the better deal? Option B ($0.13/ounce)
Grocery Grab Challenge Cards Answer Key
Card 1: Orange Juice
Option A: 64 fl oz carton for $4.48
- Unit Price per fl oz: $4.48 / 64 fl oz = $0.07 per fl oz
Option B: 128 fl oz carton for $8.32
- Unit Price per fl oz: $8.32 / 128 fl oz = $0.065 per fl oz
Better Deal: Option B ($0.065/fl oz)
Card 2: Ground Beef
Option A: 1.5 lbs for $7.47
- Unit Price per lb: $7.47 / 1.5 lbs = $4.98 per lb
Option B: 2.5 lbs for $11.75
- Unit Price per lb: $11.75 / 2.5 lbs = $4.70 per lb
Better Deal: Option B ($4.70/lb)
Card 3: Dog Food
Option A: 5 lb bag for $9.95
- Unit Price per lb: $9.95 / 5 lbs = $1.99 per lb
Option B: 15 lb bag for $26.85
- Unit Price per lb: $26.85 / 15 lbs = $1.79 per lb
Better Deal: Option B ($1.79/lb)
Card 4: Shampoo
Option A: 12 fl oz bottle for $4.56
- Unit Price per fl oz: $4.56 / 12 fl oz = $0.38 per fl oz
Option B: 20 fl oz bottle for $7.00
- Unit Price per fl oz: $7.00 / 20 fl oz = $0.35 per fl oz
Better Deal: Option B ($0.35/fl oz)
Card 5: Pasta
Option A: 16 oz box for $1.92
- Unit Price per oz: $1.92 / 16 oz = $0.12 per oz
Option B: 32 oz box for $3.52
- Unit Price per oz: $3.52 / 32 oz = $0.11 per oz
Better Deal: Option B ($0.11/oz)
Card 6: Coffee Beans
Option A: 10 oz bag for $8.50
- Unit Price per oz: $8.50 / 10 oz = $0.85 per oz
Option B: 24 oz bag for $19.20
- Unit Price per oz: $19.20 / 24 oz = $0.80 per oz
Better Deal: Option B ($0.80/oz)
Cool Down
Cool Down: Unit Price Reflection
Instructions: Please answer the following questions to reflect on what you've learned about unit pricing today.
-
Before this lesson, how often did you consider unit pricing when shopping? How do you think your shopping habits might change now that you understand it better?
-
Can you think of a specific item you or your family buys regularly where checking the unit price could potentially save money? What is it, and why?
-
What was the most surprising thing you learned or realized about unit pricing today?