Fractions

Overview

 

Curator: Jessica Johnson

 

Link to Tech Tool: http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions-add-subtract-tool.html

 

Brief Description of Tech Tool: This tech tool allows students to enter an addition or subtraction fraction problem and see the step-by-step solution. It shows how to find the common denominator using least common multiples and how to simplify using the greatest common factor. It satisfies the Common Core Essential Expectation for 3rd-5th grade that students can use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add or subtract fractions.

 

Technical & Cost considerations: It is a free website and has no technical constraints. It runs on both Window and Apple operating systems and can be displayed on a Smart Board.

 

Evaluation

 

Description of Learning Activity: This tech tool could be used for a demonstration on the step-by-step process of adding and subtracting fractions. It can also be used as an intervention tool for those students needing additional support. It would be a great resource for students to use at home. This tech tool focuses on the concepts, adding fractions, subtracting fractions, creating common denominators using least common multiples and simplifying solutions using the greatest common factor.

 

1. Learning Activity Types

• LA-Present - (read or attend to) presentation of new content/ideas

• LA-Present-Explain – explanation

 

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:

  • NCTM-N&0-understand numbers - understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems; Students must understand how fractions work to make equivalent fractions and common denominators.

  • NCTM-N&0-understand operations - understand meanings of operations and how they relate to one another. Students will learn the process of adding and subtracting fractions.

• Proficiency Strands:

  • PS-conceptual understanding—comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations, and relations. This tech tool teaches students the process of adding and subtracting fractions.

 

3. How is the mathematics represented?

This tech tool is a numerical representation. It is well organized as a flow chart so you can see the process used to solve each problem.

 

4. What role does technology play?

This tech tool allows you to input your own problem and see how it is solved. Technology allows you to try a variety of problems to see how the process of addition and subtraction works.

• Affordances of Technology for Supporting Learning:

  • Computing & Automating - Once you enter your problem this tech tool automatically calculates the solution and shows you the step-by-step process to solve it.

 

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

This tech tool would best be used individually on computers or iPads. It could be used at home or at school for additional support. It could also be used on a Smart Board as a whole class presentation to explain the concepts. 6. What do teachers and learners need to know?This tech tool is easy to use and does not require any pre-requisite knowledge of adding or subtracting fractions.