Activities to Teach Students to Find Equivalent Fractions Using Area Models: Two Models
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Teaching students about fractions can be an intimidating task for many educators. Despite being an essential mathematical concept, students often struggle to understand the principles behind fractions. However, using area models can be an effective way to make learning fractions more accessible for students of all ages. In this article, we’ll explore two different area models for teaching equivalent fractions and provide some activities that you can use in your classroom.
Model 1: Rectangular Area Model
The rectangular area model, also known as the bar model, is a powerful method for teaching fractions to students. This model involves drawing a rectangle to represent the whole, and then dividing it into equal parts to represent the fractional parts.
Activity 1: Fraction Match-up
To use this activity, you’ll need to print out fraction cards that feature different fractional amounts. Cut out each card and provide them to your students. Students should then match the cards representing equivalent fractions by piecing together bars of the same size.
For example, if one student has a card that shows 1/2, and another student has a card that shows 2/4, they should piece together the rectangles to demonstrate that these two quantities are equivalent.
Activity 2: Fraction Frenzy
This game is perfect for reinforcing students’ understanding of equivalent fractions. Begin by drawing a rectangle with a fraction written inside. For example, draw a rectangle and write 2/6 inside. Students must then race to cover the rectangle with smaller rectangles that are equivalent in size. The first student to completely cover the original rectangle wins.
Model 2: Circular Area Model
The circular area model, also known as the pizza model, is another effective method for teaching fractions. In this model, a circle is used to represent the whole, with fractional parts represented by pie-shaped segments.
Activity 1: Fraction Bake-Off
To use this activity, each group of students should have a circle template and scissors. Each group should then be given a different fraction (or multiple fractions for a more difficult challenge) and must cut their circles into equal pie-shaped segments to represent the given fraction(s). For example, if students are given the fraction 3/8, they should cut the circle into eight segments and then color in three of them.
This activity is a fun and engaging way for students to visualize fractions and understand how the size of each segment changes depending on the denominator.
Activity 2: Fraction Pizza Buffet
Using construction paper or felt, create a set of pizza slices that represent different fractions. For example, you could create a slice that represents 1/4, one that represents 1/3, and one that represents 1/2. Students must then “fill up” their plates with pizza slices that are equivalent to one whole pizza.
This activity helps students to understand how different fractional slices can be combined to create an equivalent whole. It also encourages students to think creatively about how to combine slices to achieve the best possible outcome.
Conclusion
Using area models is an effective way to teach students about equivalent fractions. These models can make abstract concepts more tangible and accessible, helping students to better understand and remember the principles behind fractions. By incorporating these activities into your lessons, you can help students develop the mathematical proficiency necessary to succeed in later grades.