This week's math class was all about FRACTIONS! Above is an introductory link to Fractions which was provided in our week 4 folder on Sakai. The video is short and sweet! It discusses how fractions are used in our everyday world such as in hotels and restaurants. Fractions are used through multiplication, division, subtraction and addition in order to keep a kitchen running smoothly. It is always important to show our students how math is used in the real world. This will avoid statements such as: "I'll never use this in my job." & "Why do I need to know this, it doesn't apply in the real world."
Our class this week started off with each student choosing a fraction that they found interesting. I chose 1/4 because this fraction can be related to money and measurements for baking. We were to model our fractions in as many ways as possible, state why this is a fraction, and what's important about it. Even though every student came up with different examples of a fraction, we all had similar definitions. For instance, a fraction has a numerator-the top number and a denominator- the bottom number. Both of these numbers are separated by a line, creating a fraction.
Furthermore, we learned that there are various types of fractions. There are proper fractions which are part of a fraction, unit fractions which are fractions with a 1 as the numerator, mixed fractions which have a whole number and then the fraction, ex. 1 1/2 and lastly, there are improper fractions in which the numerator is more than the denominator, ex. 25/5. We also learned that fractions can be added together and subtracted from one another. However, the fractions must have a common denominator. To find a common denominator we must find a number that both denominators can be multiplied to. Then we multiply the numerators by what the denominators were multiplied by.
For example: 2/3 + 5/8
Common denominator =24- How did we get that? We multiplied the first denominator, 3 by 8 and the second denominator, 8 by 3= 24. Therefore, what we do to the bottom has to be done to the top. So, the first numerator 2, would be multiplied by what it's denominator was multiplied by =8 and the same for the second fraction. Thus, 5 would by multiplied by 3.
Answer: 2/3 + 5/8
= 2/24 + 5/24 -denominators done
= 16/24 + 15/24 -numerators done
=31/24
Also, we can simplify fractions by finding a common number that can be divide by both the numerator and the denominator.
For example: 18/24 can be simplified by dividing both numbers by 6
Answer: 18 divided by 6 = 3 and 24 divided by 6= 4
Simplification: 3/4
Furthermore, every week we are encouraged to provide context and real-world applications to our teachings and problems in order to keep the students interested. This week, Pat taught part of her Fraction's lesson using The Hershey's Milk Chocolate Fractions Book. This book teaches parts of whole fractions to students. Pat provided each group with a 16 piece Hershey's chocolate bar. As she read the story we separated the chocolate bar into the various fractions stated in the book. This exercise was EXCELLENT! Every group had to work together in order to solve the problems, thus promoting collective learning. This activity is both fun and informative, it engages the students and makes them want to learn math! This is an excellent and tasty idea for a lesson that teaches Junior/Intermediate students the basics of Fractions.
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| Helt, Courtney. 2016 |
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| Helt, Courtney. 2016 |
As a class we experimented with the Hershey's Chocolate bar, egg cartons, various blocks, number lines and strips, clocks, as well as pie plates and cards from the student presentations. Each manipulative proved that fractions can be solved easily if we have something visual to work with.
As a future teacher I would highly encourage and recommend to my students the use of manipulative's, even if the students claim they do not need them. KIDS NEED MANIPULATIVE'S. NO CHOICE!
They provide a fun, engaging and collaborative learning environment for all students.
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| Helt, Courtney. 2016
Consequently, this week was filled with manipulative's and that made learning about Fractions extremely fun! Teachers teach through problem solving and visual aids help students to solve their problems. Below is a terrific link that Pat informed us about. Math Playground has numerous games and problem solving activities that students can complete for various units. I look forward to the coming weeks and what new teaching methods we will learn from Pat.
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Awesome post Courtney! I love that you have a tendency to highlight the real-world applications of the math content we are covering each week. I know this is going to be a strength of yours when you start your teaching placement as students aren't going to have to whine about 'when are we EVER going to use this?'. I, like you, found the choices of manipulatives absolutely instrumental in my understand of the content this week. I think you highlighted another concept: CHOICE of manipulatives. As we are beginning to learn: choice is a motivator for students in learning. Furthermore, by supplying many ways in which to understand and manipulate fractions, we have more ways in which to introduce students to the content and meet them where they're at in the learning process. Great post!
ReplyDeleteGreat job not only explaining what happened this week but also explaining what fractions are. You did a great job explaining both how to add fractions by finding a common denominator and also how to simplify fractions. Just by reading those two paragraphs an individual would be easily able to understand these concepts of fractions. I also really liked how you included the manipulative examples through your presentation to show others different examples of what can be used. I also believe that manipulatives are an important part of learning math and all students should know how to use them. Good work and I look forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic post Courtney! Thank you for sharing what happened this week in so much detail. We covered a lot in this class so seeing it all laid out the way you have has been a great way to remind me of all the different things we have taken away from this week. You did a great job at stressing the importance behind manipulatives which I feel is vital in math as well. I enjoyed that you attached all the photos for visuals for anyone who was not present - they can have a visual aid in addition to your text. I am happy you experienced a fun and engaging class when learning about fractions! I did too! I cannot wait to see what posts you have in the future. Great job and keep it up!
ReplyDeleteEmily
Awesome post Courtney! I really enjoy the fact that you have a great ability to layout what we have discussed in class. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on making sure our students use manipulatives. I think that it is a very important part in the learning process because even if a student claims that they do not need to use the manipulative, it may help them to gain an even deeper understanding of the mathematical processes that are involved with the particular subject matter. I look forward to reading more blog posts!
Kevin