Decomposing Fractions Part II: Cuisenaire Rods

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

4

Overview

In this learning activity, students will use Cuisenaire rods to decompose fractions. Students will explore fractional decompositions using these concrete materials. Students will show how a whole can be broken into parts and use an equation to represent the decomposed fraction. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

During/Explore/Explain
Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 4

MA19.4.15

Model and justify decompositions of fractions and explain addition and subtraction of fractions as joining or separating parts referring to the same whole.

UP:MA19.4.15

Vocabulary

  • Decomposition
  • Unit fraction
  • Area model
  • Length model
  • Equation
  • Mixed number
  • Visual fraction model
  • Whole
  • Sum
  • Difference
  • Recomposition

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Situation contexts for addition and subtraction problems.
  • A variety of strategies and models to represent addition and subtraction situations.
  • The fraction a/b is equivalent to the unit fraction 1/b being iterated or "copied" the number of times indicated by the numerator, a.
  • A fraction can represent a whole number or fraction greater than 1 and can be illustrated by decomposing the fraction.
    Example: 6/3 = 3/3 + 3/3 = 2 and 5/3 = 3/3 + 2/3 = 1 2/3.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Decompose fractions as a sum of unit fractions.
  • Model decomposition of fractions as a sum of unit fractions.
  • Add and subtract fractions with like denominators using properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.
  • Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction using visual models, drawings, and equations to represent the problem.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • A unit fraction (1/b) names the size of the unit with respect to the whole and that the denominator tells the number of parts the whole is partitioned, and the numerator indicates the number of parts referenced.
  • A variety of models and strategies can be used to represent and solve word situations involving addition and subtraction.
  • The operations of addition and subtraction are performed with quantities expressed in like units, and the sum or difference retains the same unit.

Learning Objectives

Students will decompose a fraction as a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way using equations.

Activity Details

Students will need to be given a set of Cuisenaire rods or access to the digital resource for Cuisenaire rods. 

As a whole group, model how to use the Cuisenaire rods using the following questions: Using the dark blue rod as 1 whole, how many light green rods represent this whole? What fractional part does each light green rod represent? What equation could we write to show this relationship? What fractional part does the white rod represent? What about the dark green? Could I make 1 whole blue rod using the yellow rods?

After students have had plenty of time to explore using the Cuisenaire rods, allow them to complete the Decomposing Fractions: Cuisenaire Rods activity sheet. This can be completed in partners or individually. Discuss the students' findings using this activity sheet. 

Assessment Strategies

Student recordings on the Decomposing Fractions: Cuisenaire Rods activity sheet will be used as a formative assessment to students' understanding of how to decompose a fraction using an equation as a representation. The teacher should continuously monitor students to check for understanding of fractional decompositions using the Cuisenaire rods. 

Background / Preparation

Students do not have to be familiar with Cuisenaire rods to complete this activity. If using the digital resource for the Cuisenaire rods, there is a video on the website that students can watch prior to completing the activity. 

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