Grade
5

Math in Our World: Bead Bonanza

A collection of colorful beads in many sizes and shapes.

Alexandra’s abuela (grandma) just sent her a huge container of beads for making jewelry. There are 3,600 beads in the container! It also came with string, key hooks, and clasps, so she can make key rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

She plans to make and sell the following:

  • Key rings made from 8 beads to sell for $1.25 each.
  • Bracelets made from 16 beads to sell for $1.75 each.
  • Necklaces made from 55 beads to sell for $2.75 each.
  1. What do you notice? What do you wonder?
  2. Use pictures, models, or numbers to show the relationship between beads and price.
  3. What mathematical questions can you ask about this situation? Answer all the questions you can!
  • Draw a picture of each item.
  • Start a ratio table to see how many beads it takes to make 1, 2, 5, 10, or more of each item.
  • Show your work to someone else, and explain your thinking. Did they understand?
  • Ask whether they have any other questions you can answer!

How many of each item do you think she should make? How much money would you suggest she sells each item for? Explain your thinking.

Printable Version

Google doc for printing and copying

Reference for Educators

Sample problems and solutions