CURRICULAR UNIT: FRACTIONS FOR SIXTH GRADERS

By Joan Racicot

Theme: Identifying, adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and converting fractions.

Grade Level:Sixth Grade

Objectives:

1.Students should be able to identify the numerator, denominator, and division sign of a fraction.

2.Students should learn how to find and use the calculator on the computer to convert fractions into decimals.

3.Students should learn how to add fractions with like denominators.

4. Students should learn how to subtract fractions with like denominators.

5. Students should learn how to multiply fractions.

6.Students should to be able reduce fractions to simplest form.

7.Students should be able to convert fractions to decimals.

8.Students should be able to divide fractions.

LESSON 1

Grade Level:Sixth Grade

Subject:Identifying Parts of a Fraction.

Objectives:To have the students learn to use the keyboard to type mathematical terms while they identify the different parts of a fraction.

Purpose: To review the use of the keyboard and fraction parts.

Student Arrangement:Students will work in the computer lab with the instructor.

Time Allotment:One forty-five minute class.

Procedure:

1. The students will meet in the computer lab.

2. The teacher will state the purpose: To review the use of the keyboard and fraction parts.

3. The teacher will show examples of numerators, denominators, and the division sign for fractions with the class computer.

4. Each student will use his or her own designated disk using Word.

5. The disks will have three questions asking parts of a fraction.

6. The student will use the keyboard to answer the questions into complete sentences.

7. The student will use spell check.

8. The teacher will ask students to the class computer to fill in the answers.

9. The student will complete five more questions on his or her own.

10. The student will print out the answers for the teacher.

Assessment:Students will reach the objective first correctly completing the in- class assignment and correctly completing the homework.

Assignment:The student will print out the five remaining questions to complete as homework. The students will be required to submit a report working with fractions due 2 weeks from today. The report must include the following:

·Introductory paragraph (at least 3 sentences)

·Five examples of fractions used around us

·Information about the history of fractions and/or mathematicians dealing with fractions may also be included.

·Concluding paragraph (at least 3 sentences)

·A computer must be used for the written content

·Use spell check

·Time schedule signed by guardian showing at least 10 hours spent on the report

· Pictures, graphs, and information dealing with fractions found on the Internet may be included.

LESSON 2

Grade Level: Sixth Grade

Subject:Converting Fractions into Decimals

Objectives: To have the students learn how to find and use the calculator on the computer to convert fractions into decimals.

Purpose: To expose the student to the calculator on the computer and to learn how to convert fractions into decimals using the calculator.

Student Arrangement:Work in the computer lab with the Math teacher.

Time Allotment: One forty-five minute class.

Procedure:

1. The students will report to the computer lab.

2. The teacher will demonstrate how to locate and use the calculator to convert fractions into decimals with the class computer for everyone to see.

3. The students will then find the calculator.

4. The teacher will state a fraction and the students will use the calculator to convert it to a decimal.

5. The teacher will pass out a sheet including twenty fractions.

6. The students will convert the fractions into decimals by using the calculator on the computer.

7. The teacher will review the first two problems with the students.

Assessment: The students will reach the objective when they complete the worksheet correctly.

Assignment:The students will be given 10 fractions to convert to decimals. The students may use their own calculator or a calculator on a computer.

LESSON 3

Grade Level: Sixth Grade

Subject:Adding Fractions With Like Denominators

Objectives: To have the students learn how to add fractions with like denominator.

Purpose: To recognize fractions with like denominators and to add just the numerators. Students will also just add the whole numbers separately.

Student Arrangement:Work in the computer lab with the Math teacher.

Time Allotment: One forty-five minute class.

Procedure:

1.The students will report to the computer lab.

2.The teacher will demonstrate how to locate and use the assignment placed in their personal folder.

3. The students will then find the assignment.

http://www.mathbuilder.com/cgi-bin/math2.cgi

4.The teacher will demonstrate with his/her computer the like denominators.

5.The teacher will then show how to add just the numerators together.

6.Finally, the teacher will add the whole numbers separately.

Assessment: The students will reach the objective when they complete 70% of the worksheet correctly.

Assignment:The students will write their own 10 addition problems using fractions. The answers should be included.

LESSON 4

Grade Level: Sixth Grade

Subject:Adding and Subtracting Fractions With Like Denominators.

Objectives: To have the students learn how to find and use the computer to add and subtract fractions with like denominators.

Purpose: To expose the student to the computer and to understand addition and subtraction of fractions with like denominators

Student Arrangement:Work in the computer lab with the Math teacher.

Time Allotment: One forty-minute class.

Procedure:

1. The students will report to the computer lab.

2. From his/her computer, the teacher will briefly introduce the subtraction of fractions with like denominators. He /she will assign the two sites.

3. The students will then find http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/fraction/frac3/frac37/frac37.html. and

http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/fraction/frac3/frac38/frac38.html

Assessment: The students will reach the objective when they complete 70% of the computer assignment correctly.

Assignment:The students will be given 10 fraction problems to subtract with like denominators.

LESSON 5

Grade Level:Sixth Grade

Subject: Multiplying Fractions

Objectives: Students will be able to use real life experiences for multiplying fractions.

Purpose: The students will be able to connect class work with life skills.

Student Arrangement: Students will report to the computer lab. Students will work in pairs.

Time Allotment: 45 minutes

Procedure:

The teacher will ask the students to find http://www.homedepot.com/home.html
The teacher will demonstrate to the students how to sign in by typing in the zip code of the school.
The teacher will direct the students to type the word "tile" to be searched.
The teacher will then give examples of finding costs of certain tiles at half, one-quarter, and one-fifth off.
The teacher will assign a worksheet to be completed using the Home Depot site.

Assessment:Students will have correctly completed five word problems as a team.

Assignment: http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/fraction/frac3/frac34/frac34.html The student will print a copy of the site, if he/she does not have access to a computer.

LESSON 6

Grade Level:Sixth Grade

Subject: Multiplying Fractions

Objectives: To have the students use the computer using flashcards for multiplying fractions.

Purpose: Students should be able to multiply the fractions given.

Student Arrangement: Students will work in pairs in the computer lab.

Time Allotment:45 minutes.

Procedure:http://www.aplusmath.com/Flashcards/index.html

1. The teacher will demonstrate the flashcard program from the Internet.

2. Students will work in pairs on at least six games.

Assessment:80% of the games should be correct.

Assignment:Fraction Hunt

Have students solve the following "Fraction Hunt" problem. Modify words to spell

out a message

1. The first half of food + the last quarter of door

2. The last third of hat + the first 2/5 of heavy.

3. The second 1/3 of office + the last quarter of door + the first 1/3 of street.

4. The last half of go + the last half of done.

5. The last 1/8 of elephant + the first 1/5 of order.

6. The first 3/4 of fine + the last 3/4 of dish

7. The last 1/6 of cement + the first 1/3 of history.

8. The last half of bath + the first 1/3 of end + the last 2/7 of require.

9. The first 2/5 of water + the last 3/4 of fits.

10. The last 1/6 of Glenda.

11. The first 1/3 of principal + the first half of zero.

12. The first 1/7 of instant + the first 1/3 of fat.

13. The first 2/5 of young + the first 1/10 of understand.

14. The first 1/4 of ugly + the first 1/5 of settlement.

15. The first 1/4 of youthful + the last half of pour.

16. The first 1/4 of hesitate + the last 2/3 of sad.

17. The first 2/3 of you + the first 1/5 of under.

18. The first 1/6 of clover + the first 2/3 of ant.

19. The first 1/4 of want + the last 3/4 of pork.

20. The last 1/4 of pour + the last 3/4 of test.

21. All of Mandy apart from the first 1/5 and the last 1/5.

22. The first 1/3 of please + the last 4/8 of sway.

23. The first 4/12 of Donald.

24. The first 1/5 of under at the end of the first 2/3 of you.

25. The first 1/4 of knew + the first 2/7 of nothing + the first 1/7 of welcome.

26. The last quarter of play + all of tour apart from the first quarter.

27. The first 1/3 of plague + the first 2/3 of ant + the last 3/4 of nets.

LESSON 7

Grade Level:Sixth Grade

Subject: Equivalent Fractions

Objectives: To have the students review reducing fractions by using a game.

Purpose: To review reducing fractions into simplest form.

Student Arrangement: Students should be in groups of four.

Time Allotment: forty-five minutes

Procedure:

The rules of Go Fish are followed.

2.Choosing a dealer: Student with the earliest birthday this year.

3.Dealer deals 5 cards to each student and puts the rest in a scattered pile in the

middle of the group.

4.Students can put down any matches they have.

5.The student to the dealer's left asks the student of his/her choice: "Do you have a

fraction equivalent to (for example) 1/2?" If that student has a match, all group

members need to check for accuracy! If not, the student "goes fishing." Again, if

a match is found, all group members check for accuracy.

6.Continue play until the "pond" is depleted. The student with the most matches is

the winner!

Assessment: Student groups should work in an orderly fashion. Scores will be kept.Assignment: The student should read the rules, examples, and do the five problems found in: http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/fraction/frac3/frac33/frac33.htmlCopies of the site may be used if the student does not have a computer.

LESSON 8

Grade Level:Sixth Grade

Subject: Division of Fractions

Objectives: To have the students dividing fractions by following instructions on the computer.

Purpose: To use a computer to divide fractions.

Student Arrangement: Students report to the computer lab and sit in groups of two.

Time Allotment: Forty-five minutes.

Procedure: 1. Use http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/fraction/frac3/frac35/frac35.html

2. Read rules 14, 15, and 16 and follow the directions for dividing fractions.

Assessment: 90% of the answers should be correct.

Assignment: Use your computer to type five division problems of your own with the answers. Write it out if you do not have access to a computer.

LESSON 9

Grade Level:Sixth Grade

Subject: Adding, Subtracting, Multiplying, and Dividing Fractions

Objectives: Students will be able to apply what they have learned about fractions to a real life situation.

Purpose:To assess students' working knowledge of fraction multiplication and division.

Student Arrangement: The class will be divided into four groups in the classroom.

Time Allotment: 45 minutes

Procedure:

Review adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions with the class.
Discuss with students where they see fractions in life.
Have students look at measuring utensils and discuss their use.
On an overhead or board, the teacher and the class must convert a recipe to feed the class. For example, if a recipe makes three and a half dozen cookies, how many cookies is this? (42) If there are 21 students in the class and they can eat five cookies apiece, how many cookies do we need? (105) If one batch makes 42 cookies, how many batches do we need? (2 1/2) They have to multiply each fraction in the recipe by 2 1/2.
On paper, the first group halves the recipe, the second group doubles the recipe, the third group makes the recipe feed the entire grade level for the school, and the last group converts the recipe to feed 50.
After the groups finish, discuss the outcome and how they did it.
Make the recipe in class that you converted on the overhead. The students do the measuring and mixing with teacher supervision.

8. Eat!

Assessment: All group reports were accurate.

Assignment: Find a recipe on the Internet or a family cookbook. Repeat the classroom assignment: halve it, double it, make it feed the whole class, and make it feed the whole grade level.

LESSON 10

Grade Level:Sixth Grade

Subject: Conversion of Fractions to Decimals

Objectives: The student will be able to convert fractions to decimals.

Purpose: The student will be able to use a computer to play a game to match fractions with like decimals.

Student Arrangement: The students will work in the computer lab in pairs.

Time Allotment: Forty-five minutes.

Procedure: 1. The students should find:http://www.quia.com/mc/65724.html on their disks.

2. The students should play five matching games each.

Assessment: The game results should be 70% correct.

Assignment: The students should complete their project.

RESOURCES:

http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/fraction/frac3/frac37/frac37.html.

A site with the addition of fractions with like denominators.

http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/fraction/frac3/frac38/frac38.html

A site with the subtraction of fractions with like denominators.

http://www.edhelper.com/cat207.htm

Ed helper contains math worksheets and math fraction lessons.

http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/midlmath/model6.htmlThe goal of this unit is to facilitate the understanding of the concepts related to fractions. In order to attain this goal, emphasis is placed on problem solving and the use of manipulatives.

http://educationworld-asap.com/info/com.eduworld_eduw_r0498-15_001379.html?se=inkThe Mighty M&M Math site contains a lesson plan for teaching fractions and percentages.

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/MathFractionsAllAroundUs46.htmA lesson plan dealing with fractions all around us.

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/MathMultiplyingFractionsManipulatives46.htmA lesson plan working with multiplying fractions.

http://www.2learn.ca/currlinks/2teach/netsteps/1NSindices/NSmath.htmlMath games, activities, and lessons dealing with fractions.

http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/schools/ridgeviewms/Faculty/miller_math.htmlA site consisting of flashcards, games, conversion tables, and links to other fraction sites.

http://www.col-ed.org/cur/math/math46.txtA Math Jeopardy appropriate for grades 4-12. The game maybe adapted to any subject matter.

http://score.kings.k12.ca.us/lessons/company.htmA recipe for students in grades 5-7. The learner will be able to multiply fractions easily.

http://www.blarg.net/~math/FDMENU.HTMThis site contains drills on fractions and decimal arithmetic.

http://www.quia.com/mc/65724.htmlA matching game for fractions and decimals.

http://www.mathbuilder.com/cgi-bin/math2.cgiThis site deals with adding fractions with like denominators.

http://www.homedepot.com/home.htmlThe home page for Home Depot.

http://www.aplusmath.com/Flashcards/index.html

Flashcards for multiplying fractions.

http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/fraction/frac3/frac33/frac33.html

A site dealing with the rules, examples, and problems working with reducing fractions.

http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/fraction/frac3/frac34/frac34.html

Problems with multiplying fractions.

http://www.sosmath.com/algebra/fraction/frac3/frac35/frac35.html

A site containing division problems using fractions.

http://forum.swarthmore.edu/mathsites/forum.html

A range of problems and projects are available here. This site has problem of the week(primary and secondary), project of the month and links to Dr Math. The problems vary from strand to strand each week.
strand/mode: All covered
CSF level: 2 to 7

http://www.figurethis.org/challenges/math_index.htm

This site is a math index with problems.

http://thegateway.org/

This site provides high quality Internet lesson plans, curriculum units and other education resources.

http://forum.swarthmore.edu/paths/fractions/frac.recipe.html

This site contains a lesson plan using recipes to help students with adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions.

http://www.col-ed.org/cur/math/math19.txt

This site contains a fraction hunt.