Equivalent Fractions & Comparing Fractions Hands-On Math Project Based Learning

Description

These equivalent fraction hands-on task cards are powerful tools for building a concrete understanding of fractions. Use them as a problem-based learning math activity to take your students from a beginning understanding of equivalent fractions to a deep understanding.

They will completely engage and challenge your students. They work to create pattern block pictures equivalent to a given fraction amount. They are AMAZINGLY EFFECTIVE!

A “Convince Me” section for each equivalent fraction hands on task requires students to explain their thinking and use equations to prove their answers. Student work samples are included!

The equivalent and comparing fractions activities use the proportional relationships between Pattern Blocks to build an understanding of unit, equivalent, and improper fractions and to compare, add, and subtract fractions.

Each equivalent fraction hands on task allows for individual creativity while building student understanding of fractions. Perfect for motivating students and using it as a project-based learning math activity.

They are RIGOROUS and hands-on while still being lots of FUN!

After completing the equivalent fraction hands on center activities, even my struggling math students:

• understood equivalent and improper fractions as well as mixed numbers
• could name equivalent fractions between halves, thirds, and sixths
• could visualize adding and subtracting halves, thirds, and sixths
• could visualize common denominators
• could compare fractions
• could add and subtract halves, thirds, and sixths

Then, when I directly taught these same concepts, students already had background knowledge that helped them comprehend more deeply. The depth of their understanding was amazing! They could answer fractional questions “in their heads” by visualizing and automatically apply their understandings and make connections to other fractional concepts that I had not yet taught.

❤️Students’ ability to visualize benchmark fractions was truly impressive!

Each equivalent fraction hands on activity may be completed in multiple ways for differentiation!

Here’s What’s Included

• 30 different fraction tasks
• Answer Key for Challenges 21-30. Challenges 1-20 are open-ended
• A Convince Me Page for Justifying Answers
• Student Work Samples
• An Assessment
• An Answer Key for the Assessment
• Essential Questions Posters
• Enduring Understandings Posters
• Teacher Notes and Tips
• Triangle Grid Paper for Student Support
• A Complete Digital Version of Challenges (Set 1) With Movable Pattern Blocks

Special Notes:

• The equivalent fraction hands on activities are aligned with Common Core Standards
• The only materials necessary are the equivalent fraction hands on task cards, Pattern Blocks, math journals, and pencils.
• Students choose an activity and complete the required design in at least one way.
• They trace their design in their math journal or onto the included triangle paper.
• Students write a “convince me” statement that explains how their design matches the challenge activity. You can have students color the design to match the Pattern Blocks used.
• Just laminate or use sheet protectors and use them year after year!

❤️ Why you’ll L-O-V-E these equivalent fraction hands on task cards!

• “A+++ One of my most favorite resources EVER!!!!” –Shauna

• “I examined quite a few fraction pattern block activities before I found and purchased yours! Your creative tasks won me over quickly!” –Dianna

• “Fantastic resource, I used this with my weaker 4th class girls to reinforce their understanding of fractions (although I am now planning to use it for the rest of the class). They went into the exercise confused about fractions and absolutely fed up with them. They finished clamoring to do more. They loved it, very hands-on.” –Kate

• “Love the “Convince me” part of every task. Simply brilliant!” –I Heart Math

• “…They challenged themselves to come up with different ways to create the fractions! Our principal & superintendent did a walk-through during this lesson. They both thought it was a fabulous hands-on way to explore fractions!” -Sharon

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Thanks for taking your time to peek inside this resource!

Have fun Mathing!

-Leah