Libby Grubb

Melissa Schroeder

Topic:

geometry and fractions

Grade Level: 1 – 3

Great Activity

Name of Activity

Shaving
Cream Mania

Materials Needed:

shaving
cream, wax paper and plastic knives (optional)

Description of Activity

In
this activity each child is given a small pile of shaving cream.
They can complete the activity on their desk or on wax paper for
easier cleanup (However, the shaving cream does clean the desks
very well!) Start by allowing the students to play with the shaving
cream. Ask them what shapes they can form using the cream. Then
instruct the children to form a specific shape and divide it in
half. Allow the children to share how they did this. Then continue
to divide the shape into fractions like one – fourth, or one – third.
Next ask the children to find a partner. Give the pairs a problem
such as "Divide your shapes into fourths give one – fourth
to your partner. How much do you have left? How much does your
partner have." You – can continue to give the pairs problems.
For example’ you can – have one student give the other two – fourths.
This can then lead to a – discussion about how two – fourths
equals one – half.

Extensions

For younger children you can focus more on shapes.
Allow the children to make various shapes. Then divide the shapes
in half. What new shapes do you get? For older children, the shapes
and fractions can become more difficult.

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