Artful Fractions

Kendra Saralegui

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Artful Fractions

math

In this lesson, students will learn about fractions by creating fraction art pieces. This hands-on activity helps students visualize fractions by dividing shapes and colors. It's important because it combines visual arts with math, making abstract fraction concepts more concrete and engaging.

Audience

5th graders

Time

30 minutes

Approach

math

Materials

Colored paper, Scissors, Glue sticks, Markers, and Fraction Art Worksheet

Step 1

Introduction to Fractions

5 mins

Begin by discussing what fractions are.
Explain how fractions represent parts of a whole.
Show visual examples on the board, such as a circle divided into halves, thirds, and quarters.

Step 2

Fraction Art Activity

20 mins

Hand out colored paper, scissors, glue sticks, and markers.
Have students cut shapes (circles, squares) from the colored paper.
Instruct them to divide their shapes into fractional parts (e.g., halves, thirds, quarters).
Students will then color and arrange these shapes into a piece of art, ensuring each fractional part is labeled.
Walk around to assist students and ask questions to check their understanding.

Step 3

Review and Discussion

5 mins

Have students present their fraction art pieces.
Discuss as a class how the different parts make up a whole.
Ask questions to reinforce the concept (e.g., 'What fraction of your circle is red?').
Summarize the importance of understanding fractions in everyday life.

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Worksheet

Fraction Art Worksheet

This worksheet accompanies the fraction art activity, guiding students on how to divide shapes into fractional parts and label them accordingly.

Cut and paste a circle. Divide it into halves. Color one half red and label it '1/2'.

Use a ruler to help you cut evenly.

Cut and paste a square. Divide it into quarters. Color each quarter a different color and label them '1/4'.

Draw a triangle. Divide it into thirds. Color each third a different color and label them '1/3'.

Discussion

Fraction Art Discussion

This discussion guide is used to help review and reinforce fraction concepts using students’ art pieces.

Can you explain how you divided your shapes into fractional parts?

Encourage students to use terms like 'halves,' 'thirds,' and 'quarters.'

Why is it important to understand fractions?

Discuss real-life applications of fractions like cooking, telling time, and dividing things equally among friends.

How did using art help you understand fractions better?

Highlight how visualizing fractions can make abstract concepts more concrete.