Big Idea 1: BIG IDEA 1Archived

This lesson helps students develop procedural skills in dividing fractions. During this lesson students will discuss prior knowledge of the concept of dividing fractions and will solve problems independently and in pairs using the standard algorithm. The lesson also incorporates music and poster-making to reinforce the learning objective. This lesson was originally designed for a 6th-grade Intensive Math class and should only be used following lessons where students have developed a solid conceptual understanding of dividing fractions. This lesson may take up to 3 days depending on how much practice and extra activities your students require.

Type: Lesson Plan

Multiply efficiently and fluently with multi-digit decimals using a standard algorithm for the operation.

Type: Lesson Plan

The students will create a package list for a travel company. They must use all operations with decimals as well as compare decimals.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. MEAs resemble engineering problems and encourage students to create solutions in the form of mathematical and scientific models. Students work in teams to apply their knowledge of science and mathematics to solve an open-ended problem while considering constraints and tradeoffs. Students integrate their ELA skills into MEAs as they are asked to clearly document their thought processes. MEAs follow a problem-based, student-centered approach to learning, where students are encouraged to grapple with the problem while the teacher acts as a facilitator. To learn more about MEAs visit: https://www.cpalms.org/cpalms/mea.aspx

Type: Lesson Plan

In this Model Eliciting Activity (MEA), students will use the 4 operations with decimal numbers and calculate profit (including negative numbers) as well as use the resulting data to help a business owner make decisions about their candy stores.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. MEAs resemble engineering problems and encourage students to create solutions in the form of mathematical and scientific models. Students work in teams to apply their knowledge of science and mathematics to solve an open-ended problem, while considering constraints and tradeoffs. Students integrate their ELA skills into MEAs as they are asked to clearly document their thought process. MEAs follow a problem-based, student-centered approach to learning, where students are encouraged to grapple with the problem while the teacher acts as a facilitator. To learn more about MEA’s visit: https://www.cpalms.org/cpalms/mea.aspx

Type: Lesson Plan

The students will convert fractions into decimals and multiply to determine the amount of food to feed their assigned cat. Using this amount, they will calculate (division of decimals) the number of servings and the price per serving of cat food. Students will work with three brands of food and enter the data into their charts. Finally, the students will analyze the data to determine the most affordable food.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson students will explore the different methods available for dividing fractions through a student-based investigation. The teacher will facilitate the discussion, but the students will discover the different methods on their own or with a partner as they work through the different steps.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will multiply a fraction times a fraction. The students will section off a square through rows and columns that will represent the strategy of multiplying numerators and then denominators.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students will develop an understanding of the meaning of pi and how it relates to the relationship to circumference and diameter. This is a hands-on activity where students measure circular objects and calculate the relationship of the circumference to the diameter.

Type: Lesson Plan

This lesson allows students to derive an algorithm for dividing fractions using visual fraction models and equations to represent the problem.

Type: Lesson Plan

This NASA lesson utilizes real world data about the size of planets orbiting other stars. Students are asked to use this data to compare the size of the planets to Earth and Jupiter. Lesson includes a visual representation and an answer key.

Type: Problem-Solving Task

This professional development module shows teachers how to use area models to understand multiplication and division of fractions.

Type: Professional Development

This Math Project includes a rubric.
This Math Project includes a permission form.

**** Teacher supplies the hot chocolate for class if you choose to actually do the cookie activity extension.

This activity has two purposes: Math and building a cohesive classroom community. I call these friendship activities and we incorporate activities such as this one into instruction.

Students research from a cookbook, magazine, website, newspaper, etc. a favorite cookie recipe.
Each student copies their recipe on a recipe card (can be an index card).

If you use an index card it can be set up as follows:

Recipe title: _________________ Serves: _______________
Submitted by: ______________________________________
Ingredients:

Procedure:

Research: _________________________________________

The cut the batch to 1/2 and also triple it. This is done on a separate sheet of paper.

Type: Project

In this problem solving activity, students will practice measuring and making calculations in the context of providing nutrients to a baby whale that was rescued.

Type: Teaching Idea

Students will trace the migration route of caribou (reindeer) and learn the animal's natural history.

Type: Teaching Idea

Students use a scale representation of the top 26 small planets and large moons in the solar system to compare their relative sizes to Earth. Students will use simple fractions to solve real world problems.

Type: Teaching Idea

Sometimes students ask, "Why are we using the reciprocal when dividing fractions?" This website gives you the language you can use and a visual demonstration of why.

Type: Teaching Idea

Students determine the cost to feed a group of ocean animals in captivity, thus solving a real-life problem.

Type: Teaching Idea

This interactive resource provides three activities which model the concept of dividing fractions, as well as mixed numbers, by using number lines or circle graphs.  It includes the equation showing the standard algorithm.

Type: Teaching Idea

• Given data about sharks and the amount of food they eat, students will be able to solve for the unknown in percentage problems.
• Given information about a shark's growth, students will be able to graph coordinates and interpret a linear graph.
• Given the conversion factor, students will be able to convert from metric to English units.

Type: Teaching Idea

This five-minute video answers the question "Must one always invert and multiply?" when dividing fractions. An alternative algorithm is presented which works well in certain cases. The video focuses on sense-making in using either method, and on judging the reasonableness of answers.

Type: Tutorial

The video describes how to multiply fractions and state the answer in lowest terms.

Type: Tutorial