Lesson: Serving Up Numerators and Denominators

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Fractions are introduced through the use of fiction, rich media, and hands-on examples. Colored candies are used in this lesson to highlight the concepts of numerator and denominator. The lesson culminates in students creating fractions on their own.

OBJECTIVE

• Recognize fractions as part of a whole and identify the numerator and denominator within this context
• Compare fractions represented by drawings to show equivalency
• Add and subtract simple fractions

MATERIALS

• Eating Fractions by Bruce McMillan
• StudyJams! video: Fractions
• 1 bag of jellybeans
• Computer
  
• TV/projector screen

SET UP AND PREPARE

• Connect computer to tv/projector screen
• Bookmark the StudyJams! Fractions student activity page

DIRECTIONS

1. Introduce the concept of fractions with Eating Fractions . (Any introductory book about fractions may be used.)
2. Reinforce the concept that the denominator is the total number of equal parts.
3. Reinforce the concept that the numerator is part of the whole group.
4. Spill out some jellybeans (no more than 20) onto a desk at the front of the room.
5. Ask a student to come up and count the total number of jellybeans. Write this number on the board and explain that it will become the denominator because it is the "whole."
6. Create a chart on the board listing the various colors. These will become the numerator values because they are the parts of the "whole."
7. Ask another student to count the total number of (any color) jellybeans out of the total. Write that number on the chart next to that color.
8. Continue counting the number of same-colored jellybeans until all the colors have been counted and the chart is completely filled in.
9. Show students how fractions can be created from this chart. Create fractions for all the colors.
10. Add all the numerators together to show that all the parts add up to the whole.
11. Play StudyJams! Fractions video.
12. Split the class into groups of 3-4 students each.
13. Pass out a handful of jelly beans to each table group.
14. Students identify the fractions for each color. Record results in a chart.
15. Show StudyJams! quiz questions (find these by clicking the green quiz button on the student activity page). Students will work in groups to answer questions together.

SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS
Use as many real world connections as possible. The book, video, and food example address needs of different learners. Working in cooperative groups helps reinforce to the concept of fractions. Advanced learners can record equivalent fractions in charts.

ASSESS STUDENTS

1. Students complete video assessment in groups.
2. Use chart as an assessment tool to see if students understand that fractions are part of a whole.

ASSIGNMENTS

1. Students complete group chart.
2. Students complete group assessment.

EVALUATE THE LESSON

1. Was there enough time provided to complete entire lesson?
2. Did students understand the difference between numerators and denominators?
3. Did students understand the concept of fractions as showing parts of a whole?

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