Carolyn Cope's Unit Planning

I. Title:  Smashin' The Fraction Fear!!!

This unit will be taught to a fourth grade math class.  We will be exploring fractions.  The students will be learning that fractions can be found in all kinds of things such as in cooking, shapes, etc.  They will also learn that they can find or create fractions in the world around them.  We will also demonstrate the use of technology into this unit as well.  I feel that by using real-life experiences and their prior background knowledge of fractions that the students will enjoy this unit plan while increasing their knowledge of fractions.
 
Grade Level: Fourth Grade
Strand: Fractions, Relationships and Functions
Concept: Fractions - Identify and build upon this knowledge.

II. Unit Objectives

N.C. Standard Course of Study (NCSCS)
 
I. 1.01 Develop number sense for rational numbers 0.01 through 99,999.
c. Compare and order rational numbers. 
II. 1.03 Solve problems using models, diagrams, and reasoning about fractions and relationships among fractions involving halves, fourths, eighths, thirds, sixths, twelfths, fifths, tenths, hundredths, and mixed numbers.
III. 1.04 Develop fluency with addition and subtraction of non-negative rational numbers with like denominators, including decimal fractions through hundredths.
a. Develop and analyze strategies for adding and subtracting  numbers. 
b. Estimate sums and differences. 
c. Judge the reasonableness of solutions. 
IV. 1.05 Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers,and paper and pencil.

To link to the Mathematical North Carolina Standard Course of Study for above objectives click below:
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/mathematics/standard2003/24grade4.html
 
 
V. 1.08 Identify and discuss how spreadsheets are used to calculate and graph data in a variety of settings (e.g., schools, government, business, industry).
VI. 2.05 Use spreadsheets and graphs to organize, calculate, and display data in content areas.

To link to the Computer/Technology Skills North Carolina Standard Course of Study for above objectives click below:
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computer.skills/standard/23grade4.html

The main skills from the objectives listed above that the student will incorporate into their knowledge base will be to understand and compute with rational numbers.

III. Enabling Objectives

I. 1.01 Develop number sense for rational numbers 0.01 through 99,999.
c. Compare and order rational numbers. 
 
  • The students will use manipulatives  to grasp that fractions can be compared and ordered in the same way as whole numbers.
  • Students will apply knowledge and number sense to understand that fractions can be grouped and ordered according to their numerators or denominators.
  • Students will investigate, report, conduct research, and encounter various approaches as to the ordering of fractions.

 
II. 1.03 Solve problems using models, diagrams, and reasoning about fractions and relationships among fractions involving halves, fourths, eighths, thirds, sixths, twelfths, fifths, tenths, hundredths, and mixed numbers.
 
  • The students will describe the attributes of what makes a fraction such as the numerator and the 

  • denominator.
  • The students will pactice with concrete objects such as manipulative blocks to help constitute what would be an equivalent fraction.
  • The students will recognize patterns of various fractions such as 6ths, 12ths, etc.

 
III. 1.04 Develop fluency with addition and subtraction of non-negative rational numbers with like denominators, including decimal fractions through hundredths.
a. Develop and analyze strategies for adding and subtracting  numbers. 
b. Estimate sums and differences. 
c. Judge the reasonableness of solutions. 
 
  • The students will identify a fraction as part of a whole by identifying that the denominator is the total number of equal parts that make up the whole set.
  • Students will be conducting experimentation with various manipulatives such as measuring cups and cooking utensils to enforce the concept of addition and subtraction.
  • Students will explore the concepts of various patterns that they recognize such as it taking (8) 1/8's to make a whole.
 
  • Students will be conducting experimentation with various strategies such as repeated addition.
  • Students will use everyday materials such as egg cartons to enforce their connections to "real-life" applications of adding and comparing fractions.
  • Students will explore the relationship between equivalent fractions and multiplication and division concepts.
IV. 1.05 Develop flexibility in solving problems by selecting strategies and using mental computation, estimation, calculators or computers,and paper and pencil.
 
  • Students will encounter fractions in recipes which will allow them to compare and analyze fractions.
  • Students will participate in discussions and interactive media which will allow them to compare and analyze fractions.
  • Students will conduct research at the abstract level which will allow them to understand and compose the various algorithms concerning fractions.
V. 1.08 Identify and discuss how spreadsheets are used to calculate and graph data in a variety of settings (e.g., schools, government, business, industry).
 
  • Student will use technology to analyze the concept of fractions.
  • Student will use technology to interpret fraction data.
  • Student will use technology to create various spreadsheet.
VI. 2.05 Use spreadsheets and graphs to organize, calculate, and display data in content areas.
 
  • Students will use technology to apply knowledge of fractions.
  • Students will use technology to evaluate the significance and reliability of data concerning fractions.
  • Students will use technology to display data of fractions.

IV. Introduction

V. Development

VI. Conclusion

Last lesson plan of unit.  Last lesson plan. Adaptations for this lesson include powerpoint presentations that the children have developed during this unit plan.  Children also will present their graphs created with the spreadsheet programs available.

VII. Materials/Resources Available/Needed

 
Ms. Sandra Papa
Department of Science and Mathematics Education
Doug McDonell Building
University of Melbourne
AUSTRALIA 3010
[email protected]
tel (03) 8344 8443
fax (03) 8344 8739
 
Carlos Alberto Francisco
http://mathforum.org/pcmi/international.html
 
Colorful animation & graphics are combined to explain what fractions are and how they are used & manipulated. Learn the definitions of numerator & denominator, and develop an arithmetic understanding of fractions using common experiences such as half a glass of milk and one-quarter of an hour. Numerous animated examples are used to assist in these explanations.

To contact company and order Fractions and All Their Parts: Part I
Video ID #  B4212 - Cost $29.95
Click on link below to order video.  Once at website, click on "Creating New Orders."  You must use the ID# above for ordering.
libraryvideo.com

VIII. Evaluation

IX. Time Period

Unit Plan Author: - Carolyn Cope\Return


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