Fractions as Decimals

Today students learned how to make fractions into decimals when the denominator is not 10 or 100.

Students discovered that in order to do this you need to make an equivalent fraction with a denominator or 10 or 100.  So students had to analyze the fraction and decide whether the current denominator was a factor / multiple of 10 or 100, and then work to convert that fraction into an equivalent one and follow up with then making it into a decimal.

I was pleased at how well the students applied their previous knowledge to this task and took to being able to grasp this concept quickly.

Math Review

In anticipation of our math assessment tomorrow, students did some review work in class today.  One activity was a quick matching activity whereby we were renaming mixed numbers as improper and vice versa.

Fraction Fun

With Salty Cats being cancelled, 4th Grade Purple put into place their back-up plan for the day.  Part of the plan included.....Fraction Fun!  In 3 pods, students practiced making fractions with dice and cards, comparing fractions, and using fraction pieces to create mixed fractions for which their partner needed to represent with numbers and symbols.  This was a great way to continue to practice our fraction knowledge in various settings that felt more like fun games than learning. ;)

Mixed Fractions on a Number Line

Today we took our knowledge of number lines & fractions, and combined them to put mixed fractions on a number line.  Working in teams of two (doctors and prep surgeons) one student had to accurately prepare the number line for the doctor to come in and do surgery (place the number on the line).  So far, many lives have been saved today.

Adding & Subtracting Unlike Fractions

Students are learning how to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.  This can be a tricky tricky process.  We've used both fraction strips and numbers & symbols to do these processes.  We are only looking at changing one fraction to have a similar denominator as the other, where the larger numbered denominator is a multiple of the smaller numeral (ie 1/2 to 3/6 - sixths, as opposed to 1/2 and 1/3 to a common denominator).

By using two different methods, students: a) develop better conceptual understanding, and b) show how they can prove their answer is correct.

Here are some links that we've used in class:

Virtual Fraction Strip manipulatives

Adding Fractions Notes - Math is Fun website

Subtracting Fractions Notes - Math is Fun website