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Fractions

In this lesson you will develop a better understanding about rational numbers (fractions) and strategies  to use during teaching.

The objectives of this module are for you to:
1) Explore tools related to fractions.
2) Examine an example of students working with fractions.
3) Examine students' errors dealing with fractions.

Task 1- Task 2- Task 3

Task 1:
There are various web-based tools that can be used to help students further their understanding of fractions.

Visit all of the the following tools:
Bounded Fraction Pointer
Example- Enter 1/4 and 2/4 as the two fractions. When the figure appears, divide each square into 8 equal regions using the column + and row + buttons. Click in the regions to shade them. Hit the check button to make sure that your shaded square matches the fraction that is shown. When you have checked your model with both squares, a third square appears in the middle. Make this a fraction that goes between your two fractions.


Fraction models

Example- At the bottom of the screen, drag the numerator so that it is larger than the denominator. What happens to the picture when this occurs?

Posterous
For each:
How does the activity support students' conceptual understanding of fractions?

Task 2:
Watch the following video on fractions. Video #37 on the list.

Posterous
How does the teacher support students' learning of fractions
 

Task 3:
Read Chapter 8 in My Kids Can. This was written by my friend Marta Garcia, who is a math coach in Buncombe County.

What is your reaction to the students' ideas that are shared in this chapter?

 

Work due at the end of this module

Tasks 1, 2 and 3: Make a Posterous blog to include your responses to both.