Fraction Activities

Fractions have been a hard-to-teach spot in the mathematics curriculum for many years. Research experts have confi rmed this fi nding and have urged mathematics educators to reexamine the entire area of instruction involving fractions, including both placement and teaching procedures. Th e advent of the hand-held calculator and metric system have caused some experts to advocate dropping the teaching of fractions altogether. Still other experts feel that the study of fractions, other than introduction to the meaning of fractions, should not take place until just before a student is ready to enter algebra. Despite the current hoopla, it seems that at least some facility with fractions will still be required for everyday living for the next several years. However, our inability to communicate fraction concepts and skills to large segments of the population using paper and pencil approaches is a concern. As a result, we are trying a slightly diff erent approach featuring the use of a modifi ed carpenter s ruler to make fraction manipulations more concrete. What we are proposing is an alternative or transition between using a totally manipulative program and the formal approach which is used in many textbooks. Th e fi rst portion of this book consists of fraction ruler activities that may be reproduced for student use or as transparencies for overhead projection. Each activity presumes that a student or group will have an appropriate fraction ruler available. Ruler masters are provided in the appendix. Reproduction of the rulers on tagboard will provide more durability. Answers for selected activities are also included. Th e worksheets have been sequenced in the way that many teachers prefer to use them in the classroom. However, the sequence is not essential and worksheets should be selected according to the needs of your class. Th e emphasis is on success throughout the book, but be prepared for torpedoes here and there that nudge the student toward the realization that not all problems can be solved on a ruler and that alternative methods are available. Bonus challenges are presented on selected pages. Th ese word problems provide students with practical problems from everyday life. Some of these problems may be beyond the maturity level or experience of 3rd and 4th grade students. Th ey can be skipped, removed or replaced as needed. Some third grade teachers replace these problems with fantasy challenges based on fairy tales. Th is book of activities has been developed in response to the challenge to make fractions more meaningful for all elementary students. Th e second portion of this book provides activities using paper folding for a hands on, manipulative approach featuring inexpensive materials. Each activity has been developed and fi eld tested with students in grades 4-8 and then revised. Th e activities are designed to be reproduced for classroom use. Preparation generally consists of two steps: 1. Use a copier to prepare the worksheet(s) for your group. 2. Use a paper cutter to prepare enough paper strips for your lesson. Each student should have his/her own set of strips. Strip size can be a variety of lengths and widths, but the suggested size is 8 ½ by inches. A Fraction Strip Master is provided if you wish to have students cut their own strips of a uniform size. Each master can also be used to prepare a transparency for overhead projection. Occasionally you may also wish to make large fraction strips out of butcher paper for demonstrations. Some teachers fi nd it convenient to have the large butcher paper strips available on a bulletin board throughout the fractions unit. We hope you fi nd these fraction activities useful and fun.