Fractions

Overview

Curator: Jessica Johnson

 

Link to Tech Tool: http://illuminations.nctm.org/Activity.aspx?id=3519

 

Brief Description of Tech Tool: This tech tool allows students to see visual representations of proper fractions, improper fractions, mixed numbers, decimals and percentages. It allows students to manipulate these models by adjusting the numerator and denominator. It also allows students to track the fraction, mixed number, decimal and percent in a table to see patterns and make generalizations how these concepts relate.

 

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 a Smart Board without any technical constraints.

 

Evaluation

Description of Learning Activity: This tech tool allows students to explore how fractions, mixed numbers, decimals and percentages relate through visual models.

 

1. Learning Activity Types

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

  • LA-Present-Demo – demonstration

  • LA-Present-Explain - explanation

• LA-Explore - exploring/investigating mathematical ideas

 

2. What mathematics is being learned?

• Common Core State Standards:

  • This tech tool satisfies the 3rd – 5th grade CCSS Essential Expectation that students develop an understanding of fractions as numbers.

• NCTM Standards:

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

• Proficiency Strands:

  • PS-conceptual understanding: comprehension of mathematical concepts, operations, and relations.

 

3. How is the mathematics represented?

The math in this tech tool is represented both visually through models that students can manipulate and numerically in a table.

 

4. What role does technology play?

Technology allows students to quickly see how changing the fraction’s numerator and denominator affect the fraction's value, mixed number, decimal and percent.

• Affordances of Technology for Supporting Learning:

  • Representing Ideas & Thinking - This tech tool represents fraction concepts through adjustable visual models.

 

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

There are no constraints on how this technology can fit into learning. This tool is a virtual manipulative so it needs a purpose when using it, which gives it the freedom to be a whole class, small group, partnership or an individual activity.

 

6. What do teachers and learners need to know?

This tech tool is very easy to use, so no advance technology skills are needed. This tool works great for exploring and forming conclusions about fractions.