Cathy Krzewki

Topic: Fractions

Title: Exploring Fractions

Grade: 3

Materials: Index cards Scissors

Description of Activity: Have students work in small
groups preparing sets of fraction cards. Have students write a
fraction on the bottom of each card. Then draw a corresponding
geometric representation on the top. The students should then
cut each card in half with a different, irregular cut. Display
the top part and have another group match the bottom part. Then
display the bottom portion and have a different group match the
top part. Since the cuts are irregular, if a picture does not
match a fraction, the two parts will not fit together. Then have
the class work as a whole. Name a fraction and have each group
that used it show the picture they drew. Students need to know
that there are many geometric representations that can be used
for the same fraction.

Extension: Have the students order the tops of their
cards from least to greatest and then order the bottoms of their
cards from greatest to least.

Reference: Mathematics Plus, Teacher’s Edition Grade
3. 1994