Volume Word Problems: Sprinkle Factory Grade 5 & 6 Conversions, Ratios

Here’s an engaging 5th grade or 6th grade differentiated problem solving worksheet that includes several real-world math skills:

o Conversions of standard measurements: millimetres to centimetres and centimetres to metres (5th Grade Measurement)

o Calculating the volume of a rectangular prism that has whole number side lengths (5th Grade Measurement)

o Multiplying & dividing by powers of ten (5th Grade Numbers in Base Ten)

o Simple financial literacy (comparing prices)

o Ratios and Rates (6th Grade Ratios and Proportional Relationships)

Students will work on a realistic scenario: measuring boxes of sprinkles made at the sprinkle factory. Some are small for home use, and some are much larger for bakery and industrial applications.

They will complete the following tasks for each box:

1. Sketch the sprinkle box shape in 3-D with labelled measurements

2. Complete simple and guided unit conversions on the measurements

3. Calculate the exact volume of each box in centimetres cubed

4. Determine the prices of each box using simple rates.

This activity included three levels of difficulty: you can assign differing amounts to easily differentiate for your students, or complete the whole activity as a class, step-by-step.

Level 1) Involves converting millimetres to centimetres and calculating the price and volume of the small box of sprinkles.

Level 2) Has students convert metres to centimetres and calculate the volume and price of the larger box of sprinkles.

Level 3) Students will compare the prices of the different boxes to find out which is a better deal using simple rates. This is an open-ended question, and there are lots of ways for students to solve it. You can have different students share their personal strategies with the rest of the class for further learning.

What's Included: A 5-Page PDF that is ready for you to print

• Teacher instructions

• 3 Differentiated Student Worksheets

• A Complete Answer Key