Appropriate Use of Technology

Fraction Models

Explore different representations for fractions including improper fractions, mixed numbers, decimals, and percentages. Additionally, there are length, area, region, and set models. Adjust numerators and denominators to see how they alter the representations and models. Use the table to keep track of interesting fractions. http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=11

 

For my project, I had numbers and operations related to fractions and decimals. I copied and pasted the above description of the activity I found and used to relate to this topic. The mathematics that it reinforces is fractions, decimals, mixed numbers, and percents. As the numerator and denominators are adjusted, the student can see the related decimal, mixed number, and percent. The activity also displays a visual representation of the fraction. 

 

I thought the activity could be very effective as is addresses the kinestetic and visual learner. The technology offers a quick reference to fractions that may be difficult to picture in a students mind. It teaches the student what a mixed number or a percent looks like. This technology should be coupled with a supporting teacher lesson, using many types of materials to explain fractions as they relate to other numbers (ratios, percents, and decimals). If I were to teach the lesson, I would either do this activity as a warm up to the lesson, or after I taught an introductory lesson.