Fractions

Overview

 

Curator: Jessica Johnson

 

Name & Link to Tech Tool: http://www.math-play.com/adding-and-subtracting-fractions-game.html

 

Brief Description of Tech Tool: This tech tool allows students to practice adding and subtracting fractions in a fun, interactive board game. This game keeps score, to help motivate students to accurately solve each equation. This tech tool satisfies the CCSS essential expectation that students can use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.

 

Technical & Cost considerations: This tech tool is a free website, with no registration required. It works on both Apple and Windows operating systems. It also can be used on the Smart Board without any technical constraints.

 

 

Evaluation

 

Description of Learning Activity: Students can use this website to practice on adding and subtracting fractions with both unlike and like denominators.  It also has students simplify their solutions.  

 

1. Learning Activity Types:  This tech tool allows students to apply and practice adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators. This lets students practice creating common denominators, equivalent fractions and simplifying their answer.

• LA-Practice - practicing for fluency

• LA-Apply - applying mathematics to problems and situations

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2. What mathematics is being learned?

• Common Core State Standards:

  •  This tech tool satisfies the CCSS 3rd -5th grade essential expectation that students can use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions.

• NCTM Standards: This tech tool satisfies all three standards in the number and operation strand.

  • NCTM-N&0-understand numbers - understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems;

  • NCTM-N&0-understand operations - understand meanings of operations and how they relate to one another;

  • NCTM-N&0-compute fluently - compute fluently and make reasonable estimates

• Proficiency Strands:

  • PS-conceptual understanding: This tech tool allows students to see how well they comprehend the process of adding and subtracting fractions, making common denominators, and simplifying their solution.

  • PS-procedural fluency: This tech tool lets students practice solving fractions problems involving addition and subtraction, the scoring system motivates them to solve students accurately and efficiently.

  • PS-strategic competence: Students must use the appropriate process of solving addition and subtraction with fractions.

 

3. How is the mathematics represented?

All problems are displayed numerically, without any visuals or manipulatives. Technology enhances this tech tool by making the virtual board game highly motivating and engaging to students.

 

4. What role does technology play?

Adding and subtracting fractions is an essential fraction expectation for 3rd- 5th grade students in the Common Core Standards. This standard is satisfied in this tech tool in a fun and engaging way, which is the main advantage of technology when using this tool. The scoring provides immediate feedback to students so they can see how well they are grasping the concept. The disadvantage of this tool is their no additional help, if students do not understand the concept.

• Affordances of Technology for Supporting Learning:

  • Computing & Automating- This tech tool allows students to receive instant feedback if their solution is correct or if they need to try again.

 

5. How does the technology fit or interact with the social context of learning?

This tech tool works best for students to use on individual computers or iPads. It can be played individually or in partnerships. It could also be used for practice at home. 6. What do teachers and learners need to know? Students need to understand the process of adding and subtracting fractions with like and unlike denominators. They must know how to make common denominators, solve and simplify. The tech tool itself is easy to use, and does not require any preparation. However, if your students are not familiar with computers it can be demonstrated on a Smart Board.