Second and third graders begin to demonstrate their knowledge of fractions by recognizing that fractions represent equal-sized parts of a whole. They do this with both numerical representations as well as models. Identifying and representing fractions is the first step toward comparing, identifying equivalent fractions, fractional computation and working with mixed numbers and improper fractions.
Editor's Note: This blog is part of a series of posts from former math specialist Scott Loomis on the real world math templates he has created for Wixie and how you can use and modify them for your own awesome performance tasks. You can read the backstory on his experience and expertise below.
Pizza Fractions
In the Pizza Fractions template, students first identify a fraction of a given pizza covered by a certain topping. Then, they place specific toppings on a pizza based on given fractions. Finally, students create their own pizza scenario and model and type fractional parts of each topping.
Note: Although outlined in the overview, remind students that covering, for example, half of the pizza is not a mathematically precise description, but an approximation.
As always, Wixie makes it easy to open and customize existing templates. We encourage you to customize the template to modify the existing problems and activities to meet your specific computation expectations.
Grade: 2-3
Instructional Concept: Recognize and represent fractional units.
Location in Templates Library: Curriculum > Math > Numbers and Operations > Fractions
Add to your Wixie account: Select this link for Pizza Fractions. When the template opens in a new tab, use the Log in button in the upper right to log into your account. Go to the File menu that is now showing and choose Make a Copy to add this template to the My Projects folder in your personal account.
Estimated Completion Time: 10-20 minutes
Math Standards and Learning Goals
Common Core State Standards
Grade 3 Mathematics -Number & Operations - Fractions
3.NF.A.1 Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.
Virginia Standards of Learning - Mathematics -Number and Number Sense
2.4 The student will:
a) name and write fractions represented by a set, region, or length model for halves, fourths, eighths, thirds, sixths;
b) represent fractional parts with models and with symbols.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills - Mathematics -
Grade 2 - Number & Operations
TX.2.NO.3. The student applies mathematical process standards to recognize and represent fractional units and communicates how they are used to name parts of a whole. The student is expected to:
(A) partition objects into equal parts and name the parts, including halves, fourths, and eighths, using words.
Wixie Skills Review
The completion of this assessment involves the use of three specific tools/features in Wixie.
(1) Model how to use the Paint Brush to write fractions. It is helpful to set it to its smallest size so it can be used as a pencil.
(2) Model the addition of Stickers by dragging images that have a clone setting. In this case, pages 4-6 require students to place toppings on a fraction portion of the pizza. The toppings are provided on the page with each being set to Clone. The feature allows users to click and drag an unlimited amount of "toppings" to cover their pizza. Accessing the Image library is not necessary as the Cloned topping is already present on these pages.
(3) The final page requires students to add toppings to make their 'dream' pizza. The Project Settings of this template have been set so that the Pizza folder (Stickers > Math > Fractions > Pizza) is the default library. Students should simply be able to select the Image icon for the Pizza folder to appear.
If you decide to have students use the microphone tool or video button to record themselves outlining the fraction representation of their favorite pizza on the last page of the project, review these processes with your students.
(4) Show the Microphone Tool and demonstrate how to use the Record, Pause, and Stop options and the Try Again and Keep. Audio recording can last up to five minutes in length, and the use of a script is discouraged. Instead, permit the students to "ramble" about the process they used to identify fractions.
(5) Show the Video button on the toolbar and demonstrate how to record and add a video to the page.
*If you are modifying the template to better match the needs and expectations of your learners, you can edit the template. In this file, the objects on the page are locked, so you will need to choose Unlock on the toolbar to make changes. This option can also be found under the Edit menu and Properties. To learn more, visit the Creating custom curriculum in Wixie playlist on YouTube.
