Exploring Fractions Creatively

Curriculum Alignment

Australian Curriculum – Year 5
Strand: Number and Algebra
Sub-strand: Fractions and decimals
Content Descriptor: Compare and order common unit fractions and locate and represent them on a number line (ACMNA102).

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Learning Intentions

Students will:

• Understand the concept of unit fractions and their placement on the number line.
• Compare different common fractions visually and numerically.
• Apply their knowledge of fractions in a creative and engaging way.

Success Criteria

Students will:

• Accurately position unit fractions (e.g., 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc.) on a number line.
• Compare and explain the relative sizes of fractions.
• Create a "fraction artwork" to represent their understanding of fractional parts.

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Lesson Overview

Duration: 50 minutes

Time Allocation

1. Introduction: 10 minutes
2. Teacher-guided activity: 15 minutes
3. Student-led creative task: 20 minutes
4. Reflection and sharing: 5 minutes

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Lesson Stages

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Hook:

   • Begin with this question: "If you have two equal chocolate bars, and one is cut into halves and the other into thirds, which pieces will be bigger, and why?"
   • Allow students to share their guesses briefly. Display excitement to pique curiosity!

2. Revision of Key Terms:

   • Define a fraction as an equal part of a whole and explain the concept of the denominator (total parts) and the numerator (specific parts we are counting).
   • Discuss unit fractions (fractions with a numerator of ‘1’).

3. Concrete Example Using a Visual Aid:

   • Draw a number line on the whiteboard spanning from 0 to 1. Divide the space to show halves, thirds, fourths, etc. Label these fractions clearly.

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Teacher-Guided Activity (15 minutes)

Goal: Build Fraction Number Lines Hands-On

Materials Needed:

• Rulers
• String (approx. 1 metre each)
• Small coloured pegs or paper clips

1. Explain the Task:

   • Each group of three students receives a string and some pegs or paper clips.
   • Their job is to create a "clothesline number line" between 0 and 1 using the string. Peg fractions like 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, etc., in their appropriate positions.

2. Scaffolded Practice:

   • Model how you place 1/2 and 1/4 on your own string number line.
   • Highlight how the space between each fraction decreases as the denominator gets bigger.

3. Group Work:

   • Students work collaboratively to peg their fractions along their line. Encourage problem-solving to make spacing even.
   • Circulate around the room, asking guiding questions like, "Why do you think 1/3 should go there?" or "Can 1/5 fit between 1/4 and 1/6?"

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Student-Led Creative Task (20 minutes)

Goal: Express Understanding Through Art

Activity Name: Fraction Art Mosaic

Materials Needed:

• Coloured squares of paper (pre-cut in fractional sizes, e.g., 1/2, 1/3, 1/4)
• Large sheets of paper
• Glue sticks

1. Instructions:

   • Give students individual A3 sheets of paper and let them design their own creative mosaics using the fractional pieces.
   • Introduce a simple "rule": Their artwork must use at least 6 different fractional pieces, and they need to label each piece clearly. For example, a blue square could represent "1/4" and a red rectangle could represent "1/2."

2. Incorporate Numerical Reasoning:

   • As they progress, students plan their mosaics, ensuring the fractions they use fit well within the given area.
   • Ask them questions like, "If you use two 1/4 pieces, what fraction of the whole does that represent?"

3. Teacher Support:

   • Reflect students' reasoning back to reinforce key concepts—e.g., "Yes, combining two 1/4 pieces would equal 1/2. Excellent thinking!"

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Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes)

1. Class Gallery Walk:

   • Pin finished mosaics to the classroom wall and allow students to walk around, observing others' creations.

2. Quick Discussion:

   • Ask students to share one challenge they faced today and how they solved it.
   • Pose questions like: "What surprised you most about using fractions?"

3. Exit Ticket:

   • Hand out sticky notes and ask students to answer: "If you could teach someone one thing about fractions, what would it be?"

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Extension Ideas (Optional for Early Finishers)

• Fraction Word Problems: Provide small booklets with real-world applications of fractions, such as baking recipes or sharing pizzas, for students to solve.
• Technology Integration: Let students explore and compare additional fractions using fraction apps on tablets (if available).

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Materials Checklist for Teacher

• Whiteboard markers
• 4 lengths of string (approx. 1 metre each)
• Coloured pegs or paper clips
• Pre-cut coloured paper squares (various fractional sizes)
• Large A3 sheets of paper (12 total)
• Glue sticks
• Sticky notes for exit tickets

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Notes for Teachers

This lesson deeply engages students with both visual and tactile learning processes. It also builds a fun but rigorous classroom climate by combining maths and creative art. Year 5 students will particularly enjoy the balance of structured activity and independent exploration offered through the mosaic task.