Three-Tiered Open-Ended Activity: "Backyard Building Budget" by Kathryn Walton https://padlet.com/kathrynwalton/qg4pgkpk7n1id4z Grade Level: 6th Grade Common Core Math Standard: CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.EE.A.2 – Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers. Focus Skill: Students will explore how to write and evaluate algebraic expressions using variables. Essential Question: How can we use variables to represent unknown quantities in real-world situations? en-us 2025-06-14 18:58:22 UTC 2025-06-14 19:04:29 UTC hello@padlet.com Build the Expression kathrynwalton https://padlet.com/kathrynwalton/qg4pgkpk7n1id4z/wish/3490315286 Pam is building a backyard garden. She buys 3 flower beds and 2 water barrels. Each flower bed costs x dollars, and each barrel costs y dollars.

Write an algebraic expression that shows how much Pam spends.
Now choose values for x and y and find the total cost. Try 2 different sets of values!

]]> 2025-06-14 18:59:31 UTC https://padlet.com/kathrynwalton/qg4pgkpk7n1id4z/wish/3490315286 Adjust the Expression kathrynwalton https://padlet.com/kathrynwalton/qg4pgkpk7n1id4z/wish/3490315560 Pam now wants to compare two stores.
Store A sells flower beds for x dollars and barrels for y dollars.
Store B sells flower beds for x - 3 dollars and barrels for y + 5 dollars.

Write two expressions to represent her cost at each store if she buys 2 flower beds and 3 barrels.
Then:

  • Pick values for x and y.

  • Evaluate both expressions.

  • Decide which store gives Pam the better deal, and explain why.

]]> 2025-06-14 19:00:50 UTC https://padlet.com/kathrynwalton/qg4pgkpk7n1id4z/wish/3490315560 Write Your Own Scenario kathrynwalton https://padlet.com/kathrynwalton/qg4pgkpk7n1id4z/wish/3490315998 You are designing your own backyard store.

  • Pick two types of items (e.g., benches, lanterns, plants).

  • Create an expression using two variables to represent the total cost of buying at least 3 of each item.

  • Choose values for the variables and calculate the total cost.

  • Then change the prices and recalculate.

  • Post your expressions and show your thinking. Which pricing plan is more affordable?

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