Classroom Resource

Solving Fraction Problems in Ecotopia

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

5

Overview

Students will solve problems using addition, subtraction, and multiplication of fractions in this interactive from WNET. In the accompanying classroom activity, students work in groups of two and watch a series of Cyberchase videos; answer associated discussion questions; and complete an activity that uses fraction knowledge, proportion, addition, and multiplication.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 5

MA19.5.9

Model and solve real-word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators, using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of fractions to estimate mentally, and assess the reasonableness of answers.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.5.9

Vocabulary

  • Fraction
  • Benchmark fraction
  • Denominator
  • Fraction model
  • Estimate
  • Reasonableness
  • Equation
  • Unlike denominator
  • Unlike units

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The meaning and magnitude of fractions expressed in units of halves, fourths, eighths, thirds, sixths, twelfths, fifths, tenths, and hundredths.
  • Strategies to find sums of two or more fractions with like denominators.
  • Strategies to find the difference of two fractions with like denominators.
  • How to decompose a fraction greater than 1 and express as a mixed number.
    Example: 7/3 = 3/3 + 3/3 + 1/3 = 2 1/3.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Solve real-word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators.
  • Represent problems using fraction models or equations.
  • Assess reasonableness of answers using estimation and benchmark fractions.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • solving word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike units
  • Require strategies to find equivalent fractions in a common unit, and the sum or difference will be expressed in the common unit.
  • Can be assessed for reasonableness of answers using estimation strategies.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 5

MA19.5.10

Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators, using fraction equivalence to calculate a sum or difference of fractions or mixed numbers with like denominators.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.5.10

Vocabulary

  • Fraction
  • Denominator
  • Numerator
  • Visual Model
  • Sum
  • Difference
  • Equivalence
  • Unlike denominators
  • Unlike units

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Strategies to determine if two given fractions are equivalent.
  • How to use a visual model to illustrate fraction equivalency.
  • Contextual situations for addition and subtraction.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use fraction equivalence to add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with unlike denominators.

Understanding

Students understand that:
Addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers with unlike units,
  • Require strategies to find equivalent fractions in a common unit, and the sum or difference will be expressed in the common unit.
  • Can be assessed for reasonableness of answers using estimation strategies.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 5

MA19.5.12

Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to find the product of a fraction times a whole number or a fraction times a fraction.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.5.12

Vocabulary

  • Fraction
  • Fraction model
  • Whole number
  • Area
  • Area model
  • Linear model
  • Set model
  • Tiling
  • Unit squares
  • Equation

Knowledge

Students know:
  • How to write an equation involving repeated addition with fractions as a multiplication equation of a whole number times the fraction.
    Example: 2/9 + 2/9 + 2/9 + 2/9 = 4 x 2/9 = 8/9.
  • The relationship of partial products to an area model when multiplying by two whole numbers.
  • Area of a rectangle is determined by multiplying side lengths and is found in square units.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use previous understandings of multiplication to
  • Find products of a fraction times a whole number and products of a fraction times a fraction.
  • Use area models, linear models or set models to represent products.
  • Create a story context to represent equations (a/b) × q and (a/b) × (c/d) to interpret products.
  • Find area of rectangles with fractional side lengths and represent products as rectangular areas.
  • Find the area of a rectangle by tiling the area of a rectangle with unit squares.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Any whole number can be written as a fraction.
  • The general rule for multiplication involving fractions can be justified through visual models.
  • A variety of contextual situations can be represented by multiplication involving fractions.
  • Tiling with unit squares can be used to find the area of a rectangle with fractional side lengths.
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 5

MA19.5.14

Model and solve real-world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers using visual fraction models, drawings, or equations to represent the problem.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.5.14

Vocabulary

  • Fraction
  • Models
  • Mixed number
  • Multiplication

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Contextual situations for multiplication.
  • How to use an area model to illustrate the product of two whole numbers and its relationship to partial products and extend this knowledge to illustrate products involving fractions and mixed numbers.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Solve real-word problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers.
  • Write equations to represent the word situation.
  • Use visual fraction models to represent the problem.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • A variety of strategies are used to model and solve problems that provide a context for multiplying fractions and mixed numbers.
  • Solutions are interpreted based on the meaning of the quantities and the context of the problem situation.
Link to Resource
https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mwnet-math-nf-ecotopia/solving-fract…

CR Resource Type

Interactive/Game

Resource Provider

PBS
Accessibility
License

License Type

CUSTOM

Custom License Type (URL)

https://aptv.pbslearningmedia.org/help/terms-of-use/

Approved Date

ALSDE LOGO

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