Unit 3 - Fractions and DecimalsIn this heavily-emphasized unit, we will work with a variety of tools and models to explore fractions. Students will model, read, write, compare, order, compose, and decompose fractions. Students will also apply their knowledge of fractions in order to problem-solve and think critically about fractions. Click here for the Unit 3 Family Letter.
Models and Strategies
Egg Carton Fractions
The Egg Carton model provides a great visual for finding equivalent fractions as well as adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators. This video is quite long, but watching the first few minutes will give you a good introduction or review of how to use the egg cartons.
Models and Strategies
Egg Carton Fractions
The Egg Carton model provides a great visual for finding equivalent fractions as well as adding or subtracting fractions with different denominators. This video is quite long, but watching the first few minutes will give you a good introduction or review of how to use the egg cartons.
Parents, please keep in mind that we will not be learning the mathematical procedure for finding common denominators in fourth grade! Conceptual learning is developmentally appropriate at this point. Students may naturally make the connection between these models and common denominators, and if they do, we will definitely explore it!
Geoboard Fractions
We'll also be using geoboards to model and compare fractions. Click here to go to the Math Learning Center's online geoboard. You can also download this app for a mobile device.
We'll also be using geoboards to model and compare fractions. Click here to go to the Math Learning Center's online geoboard. You can also download this app for a mobile device.
Games and Activities Dirt Bike Comparing Fractions - choose between greater than, equal to, or less than to beat the computer in a dirt bike tug-of-war
Clara's Fractions Ice Cream - convert the improper fractions to mixed numbers to make the customers' ice cream orders (watch the how-to video for instructions)
Drop Zone - click "Guest Pass" to play against the computer, and then click "Drop Zone;" this game is a great connection to the egg cartons as you combine fractions with denominators of 3, 4, 6, or 12 (make sure to read the instructions!)
Frosty Fractions - this game is a great connection to the geoboards as you add fractions with denominators of 4 or 8
Battleship Number Line - try playing with decimals or fractions
Fraction Number Line - place decimals, fractions, and percentages in their correct locations on the number lines
Mathman Fractions - play PacMan with fractions
Slide to the Top - play with "Fractions" or "Fractions and Decimals"
Clara's Fractions Ice Cream - convert the improper fractions to mixed numbers to make the customers' ice cream orders (watch the how-to video for instructions)
Drop Zone - click "Guest Pass" to play against the computer, and then click "Drop Zone;" this game is a great connection to the egg cartons as you combine fractions with denominators of 3, 4, 6, or 12 (make sure to read the instructions!)
Frosty Fractions - this game is a great connection to the geoboards as you add fractions with denominators of 4 or 8
Battleship Number Line - try playing with decimals or fractions
Fraction Number Line - place decimals, fractions, and percentages in their correct locations on the number lines
Mathman Fractions - play PacMan with fractions
Slide to the Top - play with "Fractions" or "Fractions and Decimals"