Grade 6 Performance Task: Multi-Step Problem Solving w/ Fractions & Decimals
Real-World Math + Financial Literacy STEM Project

Engage students in meaningful, real-world math problem solving with this highly interactive Grade 6 performance task! In this project-based learning activity, students work in groups to plan and budget 21 meals for a family of four while staying under a fixed grocery budget of $150.

Students apply fraction operations, decimal operations, estimation strategies, proportional reasoning, budgeting skills, and financial literacy concepts as they research recipes, calculate ingredient amounts, compare grocery prices, and justify their final meal plan choices.

This resource is part of the Grade 6 Performance Task Series and is designed to support deeper mathematical thinking through authentic, real-world applications of math concepts.

Perfect For:
✔ Grade 6 Math Performance Tasks
✔ Financial Literacy Activities
✔ STEM & PBL Learning
✔ Real-World Math Applications
✔ MYP Year 1 Mathematics
✔ Small Group Collaboration
✔ Math Workshop Extensions
✔ End-of-Unit Assessments
✔ Cross-Curricular Math + Life Skills Learning

Students will:
• Plan 7 days of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
• Calculate ingredient amounts using fractions
• Multiply and add decimals to determine total costs
• Research real grocery prices online
• Estimate totals and check reasonableness
• Stay within a fixed budget
• Reflect on financial decisions and trade-offs
• Apply real-world mathematical thinking

What’s Included:
• Project overview & guiding questions page
• Step-by-step project directions page
• Online resources research page (Color + B/W)
• Meal planning & budgeting worksheets (Color + B/W)
• Ingredient amount recording pages (Color + B/W)
• Cost calculation worksheets (Color + B/W)
• MYP Year 1 Mathematics Rubric (Criteria C & D)
• Teacher directions & implementation guide
• Enrichment & early finisher challenge page (Color + B/W)
• Math Strategies mini anchor/reference page (Color + B/W)

Skills Covered:
• Adding and simplifying fractions
• Multiplying decimals
• Estimating totals
• Unit pricing and budgeting
• Checking reasonableness
• Real-world problem solving
• Mathematical communication
• Financial literacy

Why Teachers Love This Resource:

• Authentic real-world math application

• Encourages collaboration and critical thinking

• Strong financial literacy connections

• Easy-to-follow structure for classroom implementation

• Includes differentiation and enrichment options

• Ready-to-print Color + Black & White versions

• Supports STEM and project-based learning environments

• Includes MYP-aligned rubric and assessment tools