Monstrous Math

NAME: ____________________________

Grade Level(s): 4

Subject(s):

• Geometry
• Fractions

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.

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

State Standards (4th Grade Level):

• Add and subtract fractions with like denominators. (DOK 1)

• Model and identify equivalent fractions. (DOK 2)
• Analyze and describe the similarities and differences between and among two-and three-
dimensional geometric shapes, figures, and models using
mathematical language. (DOK 2)

NETS –S Standards:

• Use keyboards and other common input and output devices (including adaptive devices when
necessary) efficiently and effectively. (1)
• Use general purpose productivity tools and peripherals to support personal productivity,
remediate skill deficits, and facilitate learning throughout the curriculum
• Use telecommunications efficiently to access remote information, communicate with others in
support of direct and independent learning, and pursue personal interests. (4)

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. with the help of educational software (link is provided below), practice identifying and
creating unique fractions.

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
• poster board
• computer with internet access
• MS-paint

Procedures:

Activity One (notice that the first part include the Teacher’s procedures/actions and the second
part consists of Students’ procedures/tasks to complete the activity)

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

• Student: Go to the Mathfrog website and click on the NAMING FRACTIONS icon.

http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_104_g_1_t_1.html

Practice naming the fraction displayed in the picture. If you get it right, try another new
fraction. If you get it wrong, ask the teacher for help. You will need to complete 10
fractions before moving on to the next exercise.

Teacher: Make sure the student is on the correct exercise.

Using the overhead video projector, show the students an example of how to use
the program.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Student: Go to the Mathfrog website and click on the QUADRILATERAL QUEST

icon.

After you complete the first exercise, complete four more exercises by clicking NEXT.

http://teams.lacoe.edu/documentation/classrooms/amy/geometry/6-
8/activities/quad_quest/quad_quest.html

Teacher: make sure the student is on the correct exercise.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

• Student: Drawing Fractions as Shapes Exercise-Using MS-Paint, draw a blue circle

about the size of an apple and divide it with lines in order to represent the fraction 5/8.

Shade the portion representing the numerator in polka dots, and leave the denominator
portion of the fraction plain.

• Next, draw a red square and divide it with lines in order to represent the fraction 3/4.

Shade the portion representing the numerator in polka dots, and leave the denominator
portion of the fraction plain.

Both shapes should fit on one page. Print the page when you are finished.

Teacher: Make sure the student is on the correct exercise.

Show the students an example of what a yellow 5/6 circle looks like.
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

Naming Fractions Exercise

2 points for each fraction correctly identified

Quadrilateral Quest Exercise

2 points for each quadrilateral correctly identified

Drawing Fractions as Shapes Exercise

2 points for each shape drawn properly
8 points for dividing each shape into the correct fraction