Lesson 8: Dividing Fractions
Grade Level: 6
Unit: Fractions
Date: Tuesday, 11/15/11
Time: 45 minutes
Objectives
SWBAT turn mixed numbers to improper fractions, and vice-versa
SWBAT divide fractions with like and unlike denominators
SWBAT reduce fractions to their simplest form
SWBAT find the opposite reciprocal
SWBAT create a graphic organizer (in the form of a 12 page Burrito Book) that contains strategies that will help them solve arithmetic problems that involve fractions
Prior Knowledge
Students should be able to fluently multiply and divide positive integers.
Students should have experience turning mixed numbers to improper fractions and vice-versa.
Students should have experience reducing fractions.
Materials/Resources
-4 sets of 8 notecards each of which have a different fraction equation/problem
-Burrito Books
-pencils
-whiteboard
-dry erase markers/eraser
-student friendly objectives
-Dividing Fractions Worksheet
Lesson
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Time
2 min
15 min
20 min
5 min
3 min |
Lesson
Routine: Students turn in homework and get out burrito books Assign new homework-students write in planners -Dividing Fractions Worksheet: choose five on each side
Go over schedule Go over objectives
Dividing Fractions: Method 1 1. Change any mixed numbers to improper fractions 2. Flip over the 2nd fraction. This is called the reciprocal. 3. Change division sign to multiplication sign. 4. numerator x numerator (top x top) 5. denominator x denominator (bottom x bottom) 6. reduce* *if improper fraction change to mixed number
2-3 example problems. Have students tell you what to do for one. Have students come to board to do the rest: Before first student comes to the board ask students to list what good audience members do (listen, raise hands, respectful).
Have student at board say what step they are doing. What's the first step? What did you just do? Why did you do that?
1 and 2/5 divided by 4/3 7/4 divided by 3/2 8/3 divided by 3 and 2/5 2 and 1/3 divided by 9/1
Musical Chairs (see attachment)
Musical Chairs reflection
Closure Did we meet objectives?
You may line up for break if you can name the reciprocal of the fraction I name.
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Monitoring Assessment
walk around and check planners
Students write this page 8 of their burrito books (division).
Popsicle stick volunteers. Students may pass. If volunteer gets stuck they may ask a classmate for help.
Walk around and observe during reflection.
Check if yes.
Exit slip |
Adaptations/Modifications
ESOL During musical chairs, partner ESOL student up with his bilingual friend.
TAG Musical Chairs problems are of varying difficulty. Teach cross-cancellation trick for those who are ready.
Special Needs If wheelchair is needed today: during musical chairs have everyone in student's group move chairs out of the way so student can wheel around.
Literacy NA
Other
Reflection
What's next? Review for test. Introduction to Fractions How to Book
What worked?
The students were really excited to see Musical Chairs on the agenda. They had done the activity before so they were familiar with the rules (this made the review process quick). In fact, I was even able to have one of the students explain the rules and procedures to his/her classmates. I love this exercise because it gets students up and moving. It is a fun way to practice.
As soon as the music started they were working on the problem silently. When the music broke there was an uproar of noise as they quickly moved to the next problem. As soon as the music resumed they were silent and working. I also like that this activity isn't competitive. I also made sure to put a variety of questions so there wasn't a student who felt left out or discouraged. It is a simple and fun to practice a lot of math in a small amount of time.
What would I change?
I would like to have had more time for musical chairs. When reflecting on the activity the students told me they didn't feel like they had enough time to complete each question. I gave them a few minutes to revisit the problems they missed during the rotation, but they didn't all use the time to do so.