Monstrous Math

NAME: Colleen Bond

Grade Level(s): 4th

Subject(s):

• Mathematics/Arithmetic
• Language Arts

Description: In this lesson, students use fraction circles to create a "fraction monster." Students
practice their skills in adding fractions with unlike denominators. The activity also provides an
opportunity to integrate creative writing into the math curriculum. Students will write a short
story that is about their monster. Students will also use a word processor to type their stories.

Goal: Students will be able to add fractions with unlike denominators and use their creative
writing skills to construct a short story.

National/State Standards:

-use models, benchmarks, and equivalent forms to judge the size of fractions;

-1. Understand relationships among numbers, use the four basic

operations, compute fluently, and make reasonable estimates.
f. Model and identify equivalent fractions. (DOK 2)

NETS –S Standards:

-Use keyboards and other common input and output devices (including adaptive devices when
necessary) efficiently and effectively.
-Discuss common uses of technology in daily life and the advantages and disadvantages those uses
provide.
- Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, data collection probes, videos, educational software) for
problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.
- Evaluate the accuracy, relevance, appropriateness, comprehensiveness, and bias of electronic
information sources

Objectives:

The students will:

1. create a "fraction monster" using at least four different types of fraction circle pieces
(halves, twelfths, thirds, etc.).
2. add the fractions in their "fraction monsters" to arrive at a total value.
 3. write a creative short story about their "fraction monsters."
4. demonstrate understanding of word processing by typing a story

Materials:

• Ellison cutouts of fraction circle pieces [each type of fraction (halves, thirds, fourths, etc.)
should be a different color]
• white sheets of construction paper
• glue
• pencils
• paper
• posterboard
• computer
• word processing software

Procedures:

Activity One

1. Teacher will prepare the classroom for the activity by collecting required materials and
resources for students to use for the hands-on activity.
2. Teacher will develop instructional materials for the lesson activity (e.g., overheads).
3. Review the addition of fractions with different denominators. Write a couple of problems
on the board, and review how to find a common denominator. Inform students that they
are going to do some "monstrous math problems" today.
4. Put the box of Ellison cutouts in a central location. Explain that the cutouts represent
fractions of whole circles (you may want to sketch a couple of examples on the board --
one circle divided into thirds, another circle divided into sixths, etc.). Let students know
that each color represents a different fraction (e.g., a yellow piece is 1/2, a red piece is
1/4, etc.).
5. Ask students to use at least four different types of fraction circle pieces to create a
"fraction monster." Students can glue their pieces on a sheet of white construction paper.
Remind students to put their names on their papers.
6. After students have created their monsters, they should add up the fraction values that
they used.
7. Students will record their work on a piece of paper (to be collected later).
8. Ask students to share their results to see who has a monster made up of the most whole
circles and who has a monster made up of the least whole circles.
9. Then, have students write a creative short story about their monsters on paper to be
presented to class and later pasted to a class poster board for everyone to see. Students
will vote on whose story is the best.
10. Remind students to check their work for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
11. Teacher will collect and display students' "fraction monsters" and stories, and check for
accuracy in adding unlike denominators.

Activity Two
 1. The teacher will inform the class that they are now going to type their stories on a
word processor.
2. The teacher will ask the students to raise their hand if they are familiar with
typing on a word processor.
3. Most likely all students will be familiar, but just in case the teacher will be
prepared to do a short lesson on word processor.
4. The teacher will then have the students work on their stories in pairs.
5. Students will asked to be creative by using different fonts and sizes
6. The students will also be required to use a header/footer
7. The students will then print off their stories and turn in to the teacher.

Assessment/Evaluation:

Activity One

The fraction monster activity will be evaluated using a 5 point rubric (1 being the lowest
score) on these criteria: participation, accurate calculation, and problem-solving.

The short story activity will be evaluated using a 5 point rubric (1 being the lowest score)
on these criteria: participation, creativity, and presentation style.

Activity Two

The students will print off their stories. The teacher will grade the story on a 5 point
rubric (1 being the lowest score) on these criteria: participation, accurate spelling, and
creativity.