Why Do We Even Need Fractions Anyway?

Paola Palomo

Tier 3

Lesson Plan

Real-World Fraction Detectives Plan

Students will connect abstract fraction concepts to tangible real-world scenarios, making the learning personally relevant and overcoming initial resistance. This will build foundational understanding and motivation for future fraction learning.

Understanding fractions is crucial for everyday life, from cooking and sharing to telling time and understanding measurements. This lesson helps students see the relevance of fractions beyond the classroom, fostering a deeper appreciation and making future learning easier.

Audience

Individual High School Student

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Through observation, discussion, and reflection, students will discover fractions in their own environment.

Materials

Fractions in My Life Presentation (#fractions-in-my-life-presentation), Fraction Photo Scavenger Hunt (#fraction-photo-scavenger-hunt), and My Fraction Story Reflection (#my-fraction-story-reflection)

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Review the Real-World Fraction Detectives Plan, Fractions in My Life Presentation, Fraction Photo Scavenger Hunt, and My Fraction Story Reflection to familiarize yourself with the content and activities. Ensure all digital materials are accessible.

Step 1

Introduction and Hook: Why Fractions?

5 minutes

Begin by asking the student: "Why do we even need fractions anyway?" Allow them to share their initial thoughts and experiences with fractions. Explain that today, they'll become 'Fraction Detectives' to uncover the hidden world of fractions around them. Use the opening slide of the Fractions in My Life Presentation.

Step 2

Exploring Real-World Fractions

15 minutes

Present the Fractions in My Life Presentation. Guide the student through the slides, discussing each real-world example of fractions. Encourage them to share their own experiences or observations that relate to the examples. Emphasize how fractions are used in various contexts, from cooking to time and money.

Step 3

Fraction Photo Scavenger Hunt

15 minutes

Introduce the Fraction Photo Scavenger Hunt activity. Explain that the student will use a camera (phone or tablet) to capture images of fractions in their home or immediate surroundings. Provide clear instructions and examples of what they might look for (e.g., half-eaten apple, a clock showing quarter past, a pizza cut into slices). Set a timer for this activity. When they return, have them briefly share some of their photos and the fractions they represent.

Step 4

My Fraction Story Reflection

10 minutes

Conclude the lesson by having the student complete the My Fraction Story Reflection journal. This will allow them to reflect on their learning and consolidate their understanding of fractions in real-world contexts. Encourage them to write about a personal experience where fractions were involved, or how they now see fractions differently after the lesson. Facilitate a brief discussion after they have completed their reflection, asking: "How has your understanding of why we need fractions changed today?"

0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Why Do We Need Fractions Anyway?

Have you ever wondered why we even learn about fractions? Where do you see them in your everyday life?

Start by posing the question and encouraging the student to share their initial thoughts without judgment. This slide sets the tone for exploring the relevance of fractions.

Becoming a Fraction Detective!

Today, we're going on a mission to uncover the hidden world of fractions!

Get ready to see fractions in a whole new way.

Introduce the idea of being a 'Fraction Detective'. Explain that fractions are everywhere, even if we don't always notice them.

Fractions in the Kitchen

Recipes: Half a cup of flour, a quarter teaspoon of salt.
Sharing Food: Dividing a pizza, cutting a cake.
Example: If you have 8 slices of pizza and eat 2, you've eaten 2/8 or 1/4 of the pizza!

Discuss how fractions are used in cooking. Ask the student if they or their family ever use recipes and if they've noticed fractions there.

Fractions in Time & Money

Money: Quarters (1/4 of a dollar), half-dollars (1/2 of a dollar).
Time: Half an hour (1/2), quarter past (1/4).
Example: When the clock shows 6:15, it's a quarter past six, or 1/4 of the hour has passed.

Talk about money and time. Emphasize how quarters relate to fractions of a dollar and how minutes relate to fractions of an hour.

Fractions in Measurement

Building/Crafts: Measuring wood, fabric, or ingredients.
Distances: Half a mile, a quarter-inch screw.
Example: If you need a board that is 3/4 of an inch thick, you are using a fraction!

Discuss measuring and construction. If possible, relate to any hobbies the student might have that involve measurements (e.g., building models, sewing).

Fractions in Sports

Game time: Half-time in basketball, a third of an inning in baseball.
Scores/Stats: Batting averages, completion rates.
Example: If a basketball game has four quarters, and you've played two, you've played 2/4 or 1/2 of the game.

Explain how fractions are used in sports. Ask the student if they play or watch any sports and can think of examples.

Your Mission: Fraction Photo Scavenger Hunt!

Now it's your turn to be a Fraction Detective!

Your mission: Find and photograph fractions in your everyday life. Look around your home or school for anything that shows parts of a whole.

Introduce the scavenger hunt activity. Explain that the goal is to find and photograph real-world examples of fractions.

What to Look For:

Half-eaten sandwich or apple
A clock showing a fraction of an hour
Items divided into equal parts (e.g., a pie, a window pane)
Measurements on a ruler or measuring cup
Anything that shows a 'part of a whole'!

Encourage the student to be creative and think outside the box. Give a few more specific examples to spark ideas.

Reflect and Share!

Great job, Fraction Detective!

Now, let's think about what you've discovered. How has seeing fractions in the real world changed your perspective? We'll capture your thoughts in a journal.

Conclude by prompting reflection. This bridges the activity to the journal assignment.

Activity

Fraction Photo Scavenger Hunt

Your Mission: Become a Fraction Detective and capture real-world examples of fractions using your camera (phone, tablet, or digital camera).

Instructions:

Look around your home, backyard, or neighborhood for items that demonstrate fractions.
Take a photo of each item.
For each photo, identify the fraction it represents and explain your reasoning.
Try to find at least 5 different examples of fractions.

What to Look For:

Food: A pizza cut into slices, a half-eaten snack, a partitioned chocolate bar.
Time: A clock face showing a quarter past or half past the hour.
Measurements: A measuring cup showing a partial amount, a ruler showing a fraction of an inch.
Objects: A window with multiple panes, a game board with divided sections, a piece of fruit cut into parts.
Anything that shows a 'part of a whole'!

After you take your photos, be prepared to share:

Your photos.
The fraction each photo represents.
How you identified the fraction.

Example:

Photo: A pie cut into 8 slices with 3 slices remaining.
Fraction: 3/8
Reasoning: There are 8 total slices (the whole), and 3 slices are left (the part).

Good luck, Fraction Detective!

Journal

My Fraction Story Reflection

Now that you've been a Fraction Detective and explored fractions in the real world, it's time to reflect on your journey.

Prompt 1: Before and After

Think about how you felt about fractions before this lesson. What were your thoughts or challenges? How do you feel about fractions now after finding them in your daily life? What changed for you?

Prompt 2: My Favorite Fraction Discovery

Describe your favorite or most surprising fraction discovery from the "Fraction Photo Scavenger Hunt." What was it, what fraction did it represent, and why did it stand out to you?

Prompt 3: Fractions in My Future

Can you think of any other ways you might use or encounter fractions in your future, perhaps in a hobby, a job you're interested in, or even just around the house? How do you think understanding fractions better will help you?

Prompt 4: Create Your Own Fraction Problem

Write a short story or scenario from your own life that involves fractions. Then, pose a question about it that can be answered using fractions. (Don't forget to include the answer!)