Everyday Fractions

Year Level: Year 4

Duration: 60 minutes

Lesson Number: 2 of 16 in "Fraction Fun Adventures"

Curriculum Area: Mathematics – Number and Algebra (Australian Curriculum: Year 4)

• Content Descriptor (ACMNA079): Investigate equivalent fractions used in contexts.
• Content Descriptor (ACMNA078): Count by quarters, halves, and thirds, including with mixed numerals. Locate and represent these fractions on a number line.

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Lesson Objective:

Students will identify and understand fractions in everyday life, using real-world contexts (such as food and measurements) to explore how fractions are represented and applied. The goal is to build their foundational knowledge of fractions and how they relate to daily experiences.

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Success Criteria:

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Identify fractions in real-life items and situations (e.g., cutting food or sharing objects).
2. Represent everyday fractions visually and numerically.
3. Demonstrate understanding of fractions as equal parts of a whole.

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Resources:

• Fraction Pizza Cut-Outs (laminated paper or cardboard – divided into halves, thirds, quarters, sixths, and eighths)
• A large cardboard “Fraction Wall” with removable segments
• Small plastic sandwich bags containing mixed pre-cut "cake slices" (representing fractions – 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc.)
• Measuring cups and jugs for simulated recipes (fractions marked in 1/4, 1/2, etc.)
• Whiteboard, markers, and magnetic fraction counters
• Mini whiteboards and markers (one per student)

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Classroom Set-Up:

Create designated learning zones:

• Pizza Party Zone: For hands-on exploration with the pizza cut-outs.
• Recipe Station: For fraction-related measurement activities.
• Whole and Part Wall: Populate and explore a “fraction wall.”
  Ensure desks are set up in groups of 4–5 students to facilitate small group work and discussions.

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Lesson Sequence:

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Engage students with a question: “Who has shared a cake or pizza with their family or friends?” Allow a few students to share their experiences.
2. On the whiteboard, draw a pizza and divide it into 8 parts. Ask:
   • “If I eat 2 slices, how much of the pizza have I eaten?”
   • “How much is left?”
3. Discuss pizzas, cakes, and shared goods as examples of fractions in daily life. Highlight that fractions represent parts of a whole.
4. State the lesson objective: “Today, we’ll discover how fractions come to life every day – at home, in the kitchen, and beyond.”

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Main Teaching (15 minutes)

1. Fraction Wall Activity (Whole Group Exploration)

• Use the large cardboard “Fraction Wall.”
• Demonstrate equivalent fractions with removable pieces (e.g., show how 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8).
• Ask:
  • “What happens when we add two 1/4 pieces?”
  • “Can we fit 1/3 into a space made up of 2/6 or 3/9?”
• Students visually see and manipulate fractions to build understanding.

2. Quick Mental Check-In on Number Lines

• Draw a number line on the whiteboard from 0 to 1, marking 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 1.
• Point to a fraction and ask students to call out its name (e.g., 1/2, 3/4).
• Students then use mini whiteboards to mark where 2/8 or 1/3 might go.

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Group Activities (25 minutes)

Activity 1: Pizza Party Zone

Goal: Hands-on exploration with fractions.

• Provide each group with a Pizza Cut-Out. Include different pizzas sliced into various fractions (1/2, 1/4, 1/8).
• Instruct students to arrange their pizzas:
  • “Build your favourite whole pizza using any pieces you can.”
  • “What fraction of your pizza is cheese? What fraction is pepperoni?”
  • “Can you trade or combine slices to create equivalent fractions (e.g., 1/4 + 2/8 = 1/2)?”

Activity 2: Recipe Station

Goal: Apply fractions through measurement.

• Students take turns pretending to “bake.” Provide measuring cups and jugs (marked with fractions). For example:
  • “Measure exactly 3/4 of a cup of flour.”
  • “Add 1/2 a cup of milk.”
• Challenge students:
  • “If we double this recipe, how much flour will we need?”

Activity 3: ‘Match the Cake’ Challenge

Goal: Create and recognise equivalent fractions.

• Each group gets a plastic bag with “cake slices” (representing fractions – e.g., 2/8, 1/4, 1/2).
• Students match slices to complete cakes and record how they combined the fractions on their mini whiteboards:
  • “We made a whole cake using 2/8 and 6/8.”
• Share findings with the class.

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Reflection and Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Class Discussion: Ask students:
   • "Where did you see fractions today?"
   • “Did any of the fractions surprise you?”
   • “What was the trickiest part about combining fractions?”
2. Review key takeaways: “Fractions are equal parts of a whole. We can use them to share, measure, and combine things in our lives.”
3. Exit Ticket: On a sticky note, students quickly write:
   • One thing they learned.
   • One thing they want to know more about fractions.
     Collect these for the next lesson.

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Differentiation:

• For advanced learners: Extend their challenge by introducing improper fractions (e.g., 5/4) or conversions between improper fractions and mixed numbers.
• For students needing more support: Use visual aids like pre-filled fraction walls or have them focus on simpler fractions (e.g., halves and quarters). Pair them with peers who can support discussion.
• For EAL/D students: Use visual aids extensively and provide fraction vocabulary cards (e.g., "whole, half, third, quarter") to support language acquisition.

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Assessment:

• Formative Assessment: Observe participation in group activities and listen to student discussions for understanding of concepts.
• Exit Ticket: Evaluate sticky note responses to gauge if objectives were met.
• Informal Observation: Track which students may need additional support or challenge in subsequent lessons.

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Homework:

Ask students to draw an example of how they use fractions at home (e.g., sharing treats, measuring ingredients). Encourage them to label the fractions they see or create.

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Teacher Reflection Post-Lesson:

• Were students engaged in hands-on tasks?
• Did the activities cater to different learning levels effectively?
• What will I adjust for Lesson 3 to deepen understanding or revisit tricky areas?

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This lesson plan combines visual, tactile, and collaborative learning experiences to make fractions come alive for Year 4 students, all while aligning with the Australian Curriculum. Let the Fraction Fun Adventures continue!