On The Road with Fractions

By Laura LaPointe

Unit Summary

• This unit focuses on students comparing, adding, and subtracting fractions. Students will gain skills through direct instruction, use of manipulatives, and online activities. They will make connections between skills and real life problem solving through their power point presentation.

Microsoft Office Word 97 - 2003 Document

Goals

Students will:• develop fluency in fraction

skills.• improve problem solving

skills.• Use technology to research

and create• Cooperate and guide others

to attain skills

Gauging Student NeedsThe unit will begin with students working together to

complete a web using Inspiration. The class will brainstorm a few words together to include in the web. Students will then, in groups of two, add to the web information they already know about fractions. This unit should follow a review of naming fractions.

Curriculum Framing QuestionsEssential Question Unit Questions Content Questions

How can we make good judgments and fair decisions using math.

How do fractions allow us to share equally?

What are some ways to find equivalent fractions?What are the steps in adding and subtracting fractions?

How are fractions used in money, time, and measurement?How is math useful in real-life situations?

How can you and your family use fractions? What jobs require using fractions routinely?

Guidelines

Clear guidelines are need to ensure that students include a variety of problems. Students will work in groups of two and complete slides based on three travel destinations. Each destination will require approx. three slides and will be combined into one class road trip.

Grouping

Students will be grouped according to ability. Students with lower math ability should be grouped with students with average ability to facilitate cooperation.

Students technology skills will also be considered for grouping.

AssessmentStudents create a fraction

web and add to their web after instruction.

Students complete graphic organizer with notes from teacher.

Students work with a partner to solve problems with the graphic organizer.

Online survey of students self assessment of skills using surveymonkey.

Student Presentations and Rubric

Class Blog allows for on-going assessment of skills in a non-test format.

Microsoft Office PowerPoint Presentation

Microsoft Office Word 97 - 2003 Document

Fraction DestinationRequests for feedbackSuggestions for ESL

studentsLists of

destinations/careers