Week 3

Week 3: Virtual Manipulative: Fraction - Adding

For this week's Virtual Manipulative I used the Fraction Adding manipulative. This manipulative shows what it means to find a common denominator and combine. Students have to find the common denominator and then add the fractions. Students are able to see what the fractions look like. Being able to see it visually gives them a better understanding of fractions. I like how it lets you add the parts and see what the answer looks like. Also that it tells you when the answer is wrong. The students who have trouble finding common denominator could use the figure to find the common denominator. To find the answer students can drag the representation of each fraction to be added into the blank box on the right. Others could just type in the common denominator and answer.


Week 3: Private Universe Project

For this week’s Private Universe Project I watched Workshop 3: Inventing Notations. When solving math problems we all use different techniques. I think it all has to do with the type of learners we are. I am more of a visual learner that is why when I solved the pizza question in class I made a list. I do not think anyone in our class made a picture but then again we are adults so I do not think any of us would have made pictures. Do you think you would have drawn pictures if this problem was given to you in elementary school?
Students need to be given the freedom to solve a problem how they see fit. Some students will surprise us with the methods they use. It is interesting to see what children can do. They invent their own notations and their own ways of communicating to each other. The fact that they can come up with their own way of solving problems is great but that they can also explain it to their classmates and teachers is even better.

Week 3: Lesson Plan (Pattern Blocks)

Cover The Caterpillar

NJCC Standards:

4.3.2 A. Patterns
Recognize, describe, extend, and create patterns.

4.4.2 A. Data Analysis
Collect, generate, record, and organize data in response to questions, claims, or curiosity.

4.5 B. Communication
Use communication to organize and clarify their mathematical thinking.

Overview:

Children will find combinations of blue and green Pattern Blocks that can be used to cover four yellow hexagons.

Objectives:

With this lesson students will be able to:
· Use patterns to solve a problem
· Work with equivalence in a geometric context

Materials:

· Pattern Blocks, at least 6 yellow, 20 blue and 40 green per pair
· Caterpillar outlines
· Crayons

Teaching:

Introduction:

1. Students will be asked to find a way to cover their yellow Pattern Block using exactly 4 blocks.
2. Students will go over the only combination that works: 2 blue blocks and 2 green blocks.
3. Students will be asked to cover the hexagon using exactly 5 blocks.
4. Students will go over the only solution: 1 blue block and 4 green blocks.

Activity:

1. Students will be asked to pick a partner.
2. Students will be asked to answer the following question: How many different ways can you use only blue and green Pattern Blocks to cover the caterpillar?
3. Students will put 4 yellow blocks together to make their caterpillar.
4. Students will use only blue and green Pattern Blocks to cover their caterpillar.
5. Students will record their solution by coloring the caterpillar outline.
6. Students will keep track of the number of blue and green blocks used and also the total number of blocks used.
7. Students will find as many solutions as possible.
8. Students will look for patterns in their work.

Follow Up Discussion:
1. Students will be asked discuss how they worked on the activity.
2. Students as a class will create a class chart with their findings.
3. Students will be asked some of the following question to prompt class discussion:
a. How many different combinations of blue and green blocks did you find that will cover the caterpillar?
b. What is the greatest number of blocks that anyone used? What it the least?
c. What strategies did you use for solving this problem?
d. Did you notice any patterns that helped you find solutions? If so, describe them.

Grade Level:
2nd Grade