Students will generate equivalent fractions, model fraction quantities greater than one, compare and order fractions, and relate decimals to fractions that name tenths and hundredths using pictorial models.

Day 1:  For the first day, students will open the interactive template using the Cuisenaire rods and generate equivalent fractions. Students will build a wall in which 1 is represented by a train of rods.

For example:

Students then use the wall to identify equivalent fractions. For example: orange + red = 1whole, then 1 green = 1/2, 2 light blues (2/4), 3 reds (3/6), 6 whites (6/12).

Be sure that you choose to show the numbers for each fraction bar.

Students can make a list of the fractions equivalent to 1/2 and describe how each is represented in their walls.

Day 2:  Students will pair up in the computer lab and work together using the excel template provided to build their own wall using Excel. They will merge cells, add color and text to each part, and answer the questions indicated at the bottom. Here is an example of what it might look like. They can print this out for assessment or post it to a folder where the teacher can check their work.

Day 3:  Students will still be in pairs. Students will use the excel template to build a model that represents mixed numbers. For example, when one orange rod represents 1, students show that 5 red rods or 5/5 = 1;  6 red rods or 6/5 = 1 and 1/5; 7 red rods or 7/5=1 and 2/5; and so forth. They will also name their fractions as decimals.

Day 4:  Students, working in pairs, will use the interactive web site Fraction Pointer to practice ordering fractions. They will keep a written score as they play. Each student will make a guess as to what fraction will fit between the two given fraction.

Here is how this game is played:  The students are given two fractions and they must first make the fraction that is shown on the screen.

When they click on the Row and Column buttons, it makes the divisions. They then click on one of the sections to turn it a color. After they think they are right, they click on Check to see if they made the correct fraction.

After they have the two correct fraction, they will then have a third square (or circle, depending on what they choose) and they must fit that fraction between the two that are given.

Students can take their scores and compete against one another, or they may want to work together to find the correct solution. Once students have become familiar, and comfortable with ordering fractions. They will open Kid Pix and work together to draw two groups of three fractions given by the teacher (here are 1/2, 3/4, and 1/4;  also 2/4, 1/3, and 3/3) and order them. They will then add the fractions using either the draw tool, or the text box. Here is what their product might look like: