Sample Fractris Lesson Plans

GROUP #5 Lesson Plan: Objective: Students will be able use fractions that all have denominators that are factors of 12 to create a sum.

Standards: Colorado Model Content Standards Mathematics Standards http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeassess/documents/OSA/standards/math.htm 1. Students develop number sense and use numbers and number relationships inproblem-solving situations and communicate the reasoning used in solving these problems. •	know the structure and properties of the real number system (for example, primes, factors, multiples, relationships among sets of numbers); and •	use number sense, including estimation and mental arithmetic, to determine the reasonableness of solutions. •	constructing, using, and explaining procedures to compute and estimate with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and integers; •	selecting and using appropriate methods for computing with commonly used fractions and decimals, percents, and integers in problem-solving situations from among mental arithmetic, estimation, paper-and-pencil, calculator, and computer methods, and determining whether the results are reasonable.

DAY 1: LAUNCHING THE LESSON: Review of common denominators and adding fractions. Example: What is 1/6 + 1/3? Example: 5/12 + 1/2 + 1/6? Questions to ask with examples: What is an estimate of each sum? Example: You have the following fractions: 1/6, 1/4, 1/12, 5/12, 1/2 and 1/3 If I start with 1/12, what are some other fractions that can be used from the list to get to one whole? EXPLORE: Students play the simulation. Teacher circulates and observes how students are combining fractions. SUMMARY: Discuss student strategies for playing the simulation

FOLLOWUP: Students create a "Fraction Wall" showing the equivalent fractions-including the math equations: for example: 1/3 = 2/6

Extension or Day 2: Play the simulation again and use different fractions for the sum. Use the least number of fractions to get to one whole. Students try to "beat" their score from Day 1. Chart and graph the results from each day. VARIATION: Use simulation as a pre-test to gather formative data.

NOTE: Add a message to the behavior that says "Game Over" when the timer is out or the box is filled with rows.

ASSESSMENT: This activity will be used as a method of collecting formative data- no summative assessment will be given.