Monstrous Math

NAME: Machel Weinacker

Grade Level(s): 5

Subject(s):

• Mathematics/Arithmetic
• Language Arts/Writing
• Technology

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. Last, this activity presents a
way for students to create their own worksheets from the internet to provide them with more
practice when outside of class.

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:

• Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

• Students are proficient in the use of technology.

• Students practice responsible use of technology systems, information, and software.

• Students develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration,
personal pursuits, and productivity.

NETS –S Standards:

The following experiences with technology and digital resources are examples of learning
activities in which students might engage during Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-11):

1. Produce a media-rich digital story about a significant local event based on first-person
interviews. (1,2,3,4)
2. Use digital-imaging technology to modify or create works of art for use in a digital
presentation. (1,2,6) 3. Recognize bias in digital resources while researching an environmental
issue with guidance from the teacher. (3,4) 4. Select and apply digital tools to collect, organize,
and analyze data to evaluate theories or test hypotheses. (3,4,6) 5. Identify and investigate a
global issue and generate possible solutions using digital tools and resources (3,4) 6. Conduct
science experiments using digital instruments and measurement devices. (4,6) 7. Conceptualize,
guide, and manage individual or group learning projects using digital planning tools with teacher
support. (4,6) 8. Practice injury prevention by applying a variety of ergonomic strategies when
using technology. (5) 9. Debate the effect of existing and emerging technologies on individuals,
society, and the global community. (5,6) 10.

Apply previous knowledge of digital technology operations to analyze and solve current
hardware and software problems. (4,6)

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. create a worksheet online for extra help and practice outside of class.

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 with Internet

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 posterboard 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

• Students will go to the website I give them and create their own worksheets.
• They will have to pick what type of problems they want to answer (Multiplication,
addition, subtraction, division).
• Students will create one worksheet for each type of problem.
• Each worksheet must have a minimum of 5 problems per page.
• Each problem must be printed, then answered (showing all work).
• Students will hand in a printed copy of worksheets as well as a digital copy which will be
emailed to the instructor before class on the due date of the printed assignment.

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

• Students will be evaluated on their ability to use the website given to them by the teacher.
• Students will also be awarded 5 points per answered question on each worksheet as well
as the digital copy emailed to the teacher (4 worksheets with 5 problems each, which
gives a grand total of 100 points.)
• No points will be awarded if the worksheets are not emailed or saved to a flash drive or
disc.
• Students will be graded on their math abilities as well as their use of technology throughj
creating a worksheet online and digitally saving it.