COW Grade 5 | Develop Number Sense

COW Grade 5 | Develop Number Sense: Outcomes 7, 8 (page 18)

Outcome 7 - Demonstrate an understanding of fractions by using concrete, pictorial and symbolic 

representations to: 

• create sets of equivalent fractions 
• compare fractions with like and unlike denominators. 

Outcome 8 - Describe and represent decimals (tenths, hundredths, thousandths), concretely, pictorially and symbolically.

My Big Idea:
"Any number, measure, numerical expression, algebraic expression, or equation can be represented in an infinite number of ways that have the same value."(2005 Charles)

This COW definitely relates to my big idea!  

Equivalent fractions show that even though numbers are written in different forms, they can still have the same value.  Comparing said fractions is a great way of cementing this concept in the minds of students.  Visual aids in the from of pictures and manipulatives give students a strong grasp on the concept and provides opportunities for real-world comparisons further providing students with meaningful instruction and application.

Students will learn that numbers can be represented pictorially or symbolically and still have the same value as the numerical representation.

Here is an example of a great hands-on math activity that will help when teaching fractions to students taken from Hands-On Fraction Games at http://www.ehow.com/list_7158792_hands_on-fraction-games.html

Fraction Pizza

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  For this activity, you need large construction paper circles (the "pizzas") that are pre-divided into halves, thirds, fourths, sixths and eighths (other fractions may be incorporated, depending on the level of the students). You will also need a set of fraction cards (These games all require a set of fraction cards, which can be made easily from a stack of ordinary index cards. Write one fraction on one side of every card, in pencil or some other medium that cannot be seen from the other side of the card. There should be one card for each fraction with a denominator of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 (for more advanced students, 7, 9 and 11 may also be included). Have two cards with fractions equivalent to zero (such as 0/5) and two equivalent to one (such as 6/6)) that correspond to the "pizzas"---one for each fraction with a denominator of 2, 3, 4, and so on---and a different set of counters (ideally construction paper pizza toppings, although beads or coins would also work) for each student.

  Each student draws a fraction card, and then puts their "topping" on the appropriate part of the appropriate "pizza." For example, if a student with a supply of paper mushrooms drew a card that said "5/6," he would put mushrooms on five pieces of the "pizza" divided into sixths. Continue until the class runs out of fraction cards or pizza toppings.

  If feasible, this activity can also be done with real pizzas. Simply divide uncooked cheese pizzas with thin lines of tomato sauce, and entrust a real topping to each student.

Read more: Hands-On Fraction Games | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7158792_hands_on-fraction-games.html#ixzz2Edmnj4XW