Build a Smoothie Bar

Modeling Ratios, Unit Rates, and Expressions
A Pre-Algebra Performance Task

Help students make sense of ratios, proportions, and expressions through a real-world business scenario they’ll actually enjoy. In Build a Smoothie Bar, students use math to design smoothie recipes, scale ingredients, analyze costs, and model expenses using algebraic expressions.

What is a Performance Task?

A performance task is an extended, project-based activity where students use math to analyze a real-life scenario and explain their reasoning.

What Students Will Do

In this multi-part performance task, students will:

• Write and interpret ratios from a base smoothie recipe
• Scale recipes using proportional reasoning
• Identify patterns when quantities increase
• Calculate unit rates for ingredient costs
• Determine the cost to make one smoothie
• Compare ingredient prices using unit rates
• Design two original smoothie flavors
• Write and interpret algebraic expressions to model total cost

Math Skills Addressed

• Ratios and proportional relationships
• Unit rates
• Decimal operations
• Writing and interpreting expressions
• Mathematical reasoning and justification
  

Best suited for Pre-Algebra, 7th grade math, or advanced 6th grade.