Students will learn about fractions and mixed numbers by manipulating shapes.
Invitation to Learn
Instructional Procedures
Before teaching this lesson, mixed and improper fractions should be introduced. The students need to know the definition to numerator, denominator, and whole number.
In this activity students will review what an improper fraction and a mixed number are and how they relate to one another using shapes. Students will then practice converting improper fractions to mixed numbers and vice versa using the well-known game Bingo.
Invitation to Learn
This activity is called shape shifting. In this activity the class is split up into pairs. Each pair is randomly given small shapes that can be manipulated and combined to make larger shapes (hand out enough for the pair to be able to make at least two big shapes). Explain that the triangles will need to be combined with the other triangles, squares with the squares, rectangles with rectangles. Do not combine different shapes. The teacher will then ask the question how many small shapes did it take to make your larger shape? Ask each pair to write down their mixed number and draw a picture on the Shape Shift Sheet. The groups that do not have whole shapes will need to write them down as fractions. Discuss how one small shape is a fraction of the larger shape.
Instructional Procedures
Family Connections
Moore, D.W., (1984). A quantitative and qualitative review of graphic organizer research. Journal of educational research. 78, 11-17.Two research reviews sought to sort out the accumulated evidence of graphic organizer effects on learning. Moore applied meta-analysis procedures to integrate research findings from 16 graphic organizer studies. Strong effects were obtained when students constructed graphic organizers after encountering content.
Ellis, E., (2004). Q&A: What's the big deal with graphic organizers? Retrieved December 30, 2006, from http://graphicorganizers.com/about.html.This article answers some common questions about graphic organizers. It discusses many misconceptions about the use of graphic organizers and describes when and how to use them properly. It also discusses how graphic organizers can be valuable assessment tools.