Vardo Wheel Fraction Design Challenge
Year 3 Mathematics Unit and Non-Unit Fractions WALT: Identify and create fractions using equal parts
The Perfect Circle - Why Equal Parts Matter
A Vardo wheel must be perfectly balanced If parts aren't equal, the wheel won't roll smoothly Equal parts make beautiful patterns Mathematics helps us create perfect wheels
What Do You Notice?
Look at these circle shapes How are they divided? Are the parts the same size? Which ones look balanced?
Unit Fractions - The Single Slice
Unit fraction = ONE part of the whole The top number (numerator) is always 1 Examples: 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10 Like painting just ONE spoke of our wheel
Non-Unit Fractions - The Many Slices
Non-unit fraction = MORE THAN ONE part The top number is greater than 1 Examples: 2/4, 3/8, 7/10 Like painting SEVERAL spokes of our wheel
Building Fractions with Objects
Use cubes or rods to make 'wheels' 10 equal pieces = 1 whole wheel Each piece = 1 tenth (1/10) Build different fractions together
Meet the Tenths!
A Vardo wheel often has 10 spokes Divide into 10 equal parts = tenths Each part = 1/10 (one tenth) 10 tenths = 1 whole wheel
The Multi-Colored Wheel Challenge
{"left":"3 sections are Blue = 3/10\n2 sections are Red = 2/10","right":"5 sections are Yellow = 5/10\nAre these unit or non-unit fractions?"}
Design Your Own Vardo Wheel
Draw a circle and divide into equal parts Choose your colors and patterns Write the fractions for each section Check: Are your parts equal?
Success Criteria - Can You Say YES?
✓ I can identify a unit fraction (numerator = 1) ✓ I can identify a non-unit fraction (numerator > 1) ✓ I can explain what a tenth means ✓ I can check if parts are equal