Rates & Unit Rates

Grade Level

6th Grade
Class Size: 15 students
Duration: 30 minutes

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Learning Objectives (Common Core Aligned)

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.2

• Understand the concept of a unit rate a/b associated with a ratio a:b with b ≠ 0, and use rate language in the context of a ratio relationship.

I Can Statements:

• I can identify two different units in a rate.
• I can find the unit rate in real-life examples.
• I can solve simple real-world problems involving rates and unit rates.

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Success Criteria

• I can explain what a rate and a unit rate are in my own words.
• I can identify the two units involved in a rate.
• I can calculate the unit rate correctly using division.
• I can apply unit rate understanding to compare prices or quantities.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Chart paper with definitions of Rate and Unit Rate
• Worksheet: Bottle Cost Comparison Table
• Calculators (optional for some students)
• Dyslexia-friendly fonts and large print handouts (e.g., OpenDyslexic font printed sheets)
• Small bottles (or pictures) with price tags for visual comparison

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Engagement (5 minutes)

• Teacher writes on the board: "Rate" and "Unit Rate"
• Use simple definitions:
  • Rate = ratio comparing two quantities with different units
  • Unit Rate = rate with a denominator of 1
• Introduce a relatable example: “If a bottle of water costs $3 for 6 bottles, what is the cost for 1 bottle?”
• Use "I can..." statements & success criteria to frame the lesson
• Dyslexia-friendly: use large, clear text and speak slowly with clear enunciation.

2. Direct Instruction & Engagement Activity (10 minutes)

• Present the Bottle Cost Comparison Table with two brand options:

  Brand	Number of Bottles	Total Cost	Unit Price per Bottle
  A	6	$3.00	?
  B	12	$5.40	?

• Model how to calculate the unit rate in each case (divide total cost by number of bottles).

• Ask students to identify the two units involved (dollars and bottles).

• Students work in pairs to calculate and fill in the unit prices.

• Use guided questions: "What does the unit rate tell us? Why is it useful?"

• Differentiation: Provide calculators and step-by-step scaffolding for students needing support.

• Dyslexia-friendly: provide written instructions with simple sentence structure and bullets.

3. Guided Practice (8 minutes)

• Students complete 3 simple word problems that require finding unit rates, e.g.:

  1. Jane runs 18 miles in 3 hours. What is her speed in miles per hour?
  2. A car travels 240 miles on 8 gallons of gas. What is the miles per gallon rate?
  3. There are 15 pencils in 5 boxes. How many pencils in one box?

• Circulate and assist, encouraging students to say units aloud: “miles per hour,” “miles per gallon,” “pencils per box.”

• Extension for advanced learners: Provide a problem where unit rates must be compared and interpreted (e.g., comparing cost per ounce for different sizes of juice bottles).

4. Closing & Assessment (5 minutes)

• Quick exit ticket: Write down a unit rate from the lesson and describe the two units involved.
• Share answers aloud to reinforce learning.
• Recap with "I can..." statements and success criteria to let students self-assess.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For struggling learners: Use visual aids, calculators, and one-on-one or small group support. Break down problems into smaller steps.
• For English Language Learners (ELL): Use clear sentence frames and repeated vocabulary practice for units and rate language. Use visuals and gestures.
• For students with dyslexia: Use dyslexia-friendly handouts and fonts, color coding of units, and verbal instructions with visual prompts.

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Extension Activities

• Investigate rates in areas outside math:
  • Calculate the unit rate of speed for different animals (e.g., cheetah runs 70 mph, tortoise runs 1 mph).
  • Create and present poster comparing unit prices for various grocery items from flyers or ads.
• Challenge: Solve multistep problems involving unit rates and ratios, e.g., if 3 pizzas serve 18 people, how many pizzas serve 30 people?

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Reflection for Teachers

• Did students effectively identify units and compute unit rates?
• Were all learners engaged with the bottle cost comparison?
• Adjust support based on exit ticket responses for next lesson about rates in proportional relationships.

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This lesson plan provides a targeted, engaging, and differentiated approach that uses relatable real-life applications to meet Common Core standards. It fosters conceptual understanding through hands-on exploration and clear, scaffolded instruction.