Your class earned a movie celebration! You’re responsible for buying supplies for 27 students with a budget of $24.50.
Everyone needs:
- 1 bag of popcorn
- 1 juice box
- 1 paper cup
- 1 napkin
Your mission: Get enough for everyone, stay within budget, and explain why your shopping plan makes sense.
The Supply Board
These fictional prices are created for this classroom challenge. Each price buys one whole package.
| Supply | Corner Market | Party Depot | Quick Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popcorn | 6 bags for $2.40 | 10 bags for $3.50 | 4 bags for $1.70 |
| Juice | 8 boxes for $2.80 | 6 boxes for $2.00 | 10 boxes for $3.60 |
| Cups | 20 cups for $1.00 | 30 cups for $1.70 | 12 cups for $0.80 |
| Napkins | 40 napkins for $1.00 | 100 napkins for $1.80 | 30 napkins for $1.10 |
Before You Shop: Catch the Mistake
A student says:
“Quick Stop’s popcorn costs only $1.70. I’ll buy one package because that’s the smallest price!”
What did the student forget to check? Explain in one sentence.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Gets Something
You must buy whole packages. If your calculation gives part of a package, buy the next whole package.
Example: You need 27 spoons, and spoons come in packs of 10.
- Two packs provide 20 spoons—not enough.
- Three packs provide 30 spoons—enough, with 3 extra.
Now create your shopping plan:
| Supply | Store chosen | Items in one package | Packages to buy | Total items purchased | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popcorn | |||||
| Juice | |||||
| Cups | |||||
| Napkins |
Check every row: Do you have at least 27 of each item?
Use:
Total items = Packages × Items per package
Cost = Packages × Package price
Step 2: Include the Trip
Your first store visit is free. Each additional store costs $0.75 in transportation.
| Stores visited | Transportation cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $0.00 |
| 2 | $0.75 |
| 3 | $1.50 |
Ignore taxes and coupons.
Show your calculations:
Supplies: $_____ + $_____ + $_____ + $_____ = $_____
Final cost: Supplies + Transportation = $_____
Money remaining: $24.50 − Final cost = $_____
If you exceed the budget, revise your plan.
Step 3: Is Your Plan Actually a Better Deal?
Calculate the cost of buying all four supplies at Party Depot, including enough packages for everyone.
Then compare:
Savings compared with Party Depot = Party Depot total − Your final total
Money remaining and savings are different: money remaining compares your spending with your budget; savings compares two shopping plans.
If your plan costs more, state how much more.
Step 4: Explain Your Decision
Write at least five complete sentences. Include:
- How your package quantities provide enough supplies.
- One comparison using actual prices and quantities.
- Whether an extra store visit is worth its transportation cost.
- Your final total and money remaining.
- How your plan compares with buying everything at Party Depot.
You may use:
“I chose _____ for _____ because _____ packages provide _____ items and cost $_____.”
“Visiting another store saves $_____ on supplies, but transportation adds $_____, so _____.”
Final Check
Before posting, confirm:
- Every student receives all four supplies.
- You multiplied each package price by the number of packages.
- You included transportation.
- Your final cost is within $24.50.
- Your explanation contains numbers that support your choices.
Bonus: The Guest List Changes!
Six more students join. Now you need supplies for 33 students, and your budget becomes $30.
You haven’t bought anything yet. Revise your plan and explain which package quantities or store choices need to change—and why.
A bargain only works if it buys enough for everyone!
When you’re finished, check out the rest of our blog for more tips, ideas, and activities to help you learn and grow. Be sure to follow our classroom Instagram page for behind-the-scenes moments, project highlights, and fun updates. Let’s work together to make learning fun, exciting, and something you look forward to every day!
