Fractions

Overview

Curator: Laura Piper

 

Name & Link to Tech Tool: http://www.oswego.org/ocsd-web/games/fractionflags/fractionflags.html

 

Brief Description of Tech Tool: Fraction Flags has students paint creative flags while learning about fractions. For example, the directions may be to paint two thirds of the flag blue and one third yellow.

 

Technical & Cost considerations: This game is free. It can be played on a regular computer, SMART Board, or iPad. There are no technical constraints I have noticed so far, it seems very simply designed.

 

Evaluation

Description of Learning Activity:  Fraction Flags could be used as a game during math center rotations. It is a one player game requiring the player to visualize and paint flags given assigned colors for portions of the flag.

 

1. Learning Activity Types:

LA-Explore - exploring/investigating mathematical ideas

 

2. What mathematics is being learned?

• NCTM Standards:

  • NCTM Geography Visualization - Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems.

• Proficiency Strands:

  • PS- Strategic Competence: The proficiency strand strategic competence is described as the ability to formulate, represent, and solve mathematical problems. Fraction Flags provides opportunities for students to represent and comprehend what portions such as halves, thirds, and quarters actually mean.

 

3. How is the mathematics represented?

In Fraction Flags the representation is done by a virtual manipulative. So often as teachers we ask students to "color half of the circle red". With Fractions Flags students are doing just that, but are able to practice independently and without spending time going through paper and looking for correct colors. As these fractions are represented only one dimensional, students must have additional experience recognizing that real life objects can also be divided into halves, thirds, etc.

 

4. What role does technology play?

This technology affords students additional practice when teachers are unable to provide it for them because of lack of time. It also provides an organized method for learning about fractions. It is often difficult for students to color in a half or thurd by freehand. With Fraction Flags there are charted squares within the flag allowing for organized portioning.

• Affordances of Technology for Supporting Learning

  • Representing Ideas & Thinking - Fraction Flags gives an organized workspace to practice representing fractions.

 

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

The technology used for Fraction Flags is very simple. Compared to computer and video games students are used to, this may not be entertaining enough to hold student attention for long periods of time. However I think it is worth trying because I like the workspace it provides. This technology is used individually by students.6. What do teachers and learners need to know?To play this game students must have basic computer knowledge such as using the mouse. They will also need to have prior experience with fractions at the introductory level. The game simply displays a fraction and a color and students must know how to read the fraction in order to complete the task. Fractions are represented numerically (1/2) or (1/4).