Fraction Fun

Our math class has been hard at work mastering some pretty challenging concepts with fractions.  We started the unit off with finding fractions of a set.  Can your child find 3/4 of 8 or 2/3 of 12?  Have them use the pictures of their classmates' work below to explain to you how we solve these tricky fraction problems.  Make sure they explain to you our "Special over Total" sign.

Then we moved on to finding equivalent fractions.  At first we used the picture side of our fraction cards to find equivalent fractions, but we quickly started to see some patterns.  See if your child can name fractions that are equivalent to 1/2.  They should be able to name dozens!

We continued to challenge ourselves by then moving on to fractions greater than one.  See if your little mathematician can use the picture below to tell you about improper fractions and mixed numbers.

We couldn't let Valentine's Day pass without fitting in some fraction fun.  We used conversation hearts to practice finding fractions of a set.  We found what fraction of each color we had and then moved on to more challenging problems.  If we had 15 hearts and ate 1/3 of them, how many hearts did we eat?  It was so much more fun to act out these challenging fraction problems.  

Our fraction unit is coming to an end, and we are preparing to ace our fraction test on Thursday. I have been so impressed with all that this class has accomplished with fractions.  I can't wait to see how we do with double digit multiplication in our next unit!

Simple Machines Design Project

We recently wrapped up our Simple Machines Design Project.  During this unit, we first learned about each of the six simple machines.  Using the pictures below, have your scientist explain what we did during each of these activities.  Ask them to explain how and why we use each simple machine.

inclined plane

wedge

screw

pulley

wheel and axle

lever

 We then applied this new information to a special design project.  Each group was tasked to design and build a compound machine that contained at least two simple machines.  This compound machine needed to be able to move a rock 30 centimeters vertically and 50 centimeters horizontally.  One of our focuses during the building process was testing our machine, learning from that test, and making necessary adjustments.  Each group kept a list of the changes that they made to their original design as they tested and tweaked their design project.  After all that hard work, the groups got to present their machine to the class and explain how it worked.  I was impressed with how well the groups worked together and how they collaboratively solved some of the problems that they encountered while building their machine.

Building our design projects

Presenting our compound machines

Simple Machine Song