Introduction
We have just heard that our new 5th grade Peruvian friends Ino and Emilio are having extreme difficulty adding and subtracting fractions. Although they've never gone to school before, they know the 3 Rs (reading, writing, and arithmetic) and speak basic English. Their grandparents only speak Quechua, and the parents work seven days a week. All of them understand the importance of a good education and want to help, but know very little about fractions.
Your assignment is to teach Ino and Emilio how to add and subtract fractions at the grassroots level. This will require making calculations by hand first, as well as using manipulatives and computer games so they can have fun while mastering the concepts.
Task
Your team has 4 tasks to complete in order for Ino and Emilio to begin mastering the skill of adding and subtracting fractions.
1. As an entry point, assess where Ino and Emilio are in terms of adding and subtracting fractions. Find out how much they know about the subject.
a. Research the basic definition of a fraction, and related terms such as numerator, denominator, and lowest common multiple (LCM).
b. Make a comprehensive, easy to understand list of these terms to share with Ino and Emilio
c. Use manipulatives to help them visualize and "play" with fractions
d. Administer a pre-test containing 4 addition and subtraction problems with like and unlike denominators
2. Introduce the brothers to websites where they can practice what they're learning
3. Administer a post-test
4. Present your findings
Process
Step #1 -- Break into teams of 4.
Step #2 -- Visit the following websites:
https://www.khanacademy.org/math/pre-algebra/fractions-pre-alg/fraction…
http://www.kidsmathgamesonline.com/videos/addandsubtractfractions.html
https://www.ixl.com/math/grade-5
http://www.math.com/school/subject1/lessons/S1U4L3DP.html
Step #3 -- Use the information to choose the most effective way for Ino and Emilio to master adding and subtracting fractions.
Step #4 -- Write a one page summary of your findings.
Step #5 -- Make an oral presentation to the whole class.
Step #6 -- Each team member will select a math website and write a 1-page informational essay about it.
(This is an independent activity.)
Include these points:
* Brief history
* User friendliness
* How this website can enhance your math skills
Evaluation
|
Self-Assessment Rubric |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
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Following Directions |
I did not follow directions and had a difficult time understanding what to do.
|
I followed directions, but had a difficult time staying on task and had to be reminded at times. |
I followed all directions and was always on task. |
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Working in Your Group |
I was unable to work well with my group. I did not help my group.
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I had difficulties with my group, but I helped my group somewhat. |
I had no problems working with my group. |
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Use of Resources
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I did not use the resources. |
I used some resources well. |
I used all the resources I had to finish my reports. |
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One-Page Summary of Personal Findings
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It was sloppy and missing key details. |
It was okay, but something was missing. |
The summary was neat, concise, and coherent. |
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Individual Written Report
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It was sloppy and missing parts. |
It was okay, but something was missing. |
The report was neat and all parts were included. |
Conclusion
Through this WebQuest, students have:
(1) Learned the basics on how to conduct research entirely online through a combination of programs that include links to websites.
(2) Demonstrated personally- and socially-responsible behaviors through peer interaction.
(3) Enhanced their knowledge of fractions and other math skills.
(4) Expanded cross-cultural competence while caring for others.
Credits
Special Thanks
Aulafacil.com for "Suma y resta de fracciones" (http://www.aulafacil.com/cursos/l7753/primaria/matematicas-primaria/mat…).
Dummies.com for "How to Add and Subtract Fractions in Algebra" (http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/how-to-add-and-subtract-fractions…).
Teacher Page
Central Focus: Students will use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.
Standards
5.NF -- Number & Operations -- Fractions
Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.