ALEX Learning Activity Resources

   View Standards     Standard(s): [MA2019] (4) 15 :

15. Model and justify decompositions of fractions and explain addition and subtraction of fractions as joining or separating parts referring to the same whole.

a. Decompose a fraction as a sum of unit fractions and as a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way using area models, length models, and equations.

b. Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators using fraction equivalence, properties of operations, and the relationship between addition and subtraction.

c. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers having like denominators, using drawings, visual fraction models, and equations to represent the problem.

This learning activity introduces the concept of decomposing a whole into fractional parts. Using the book Whole-y Cow Fractions Are Fun by Taryn Souders, students will have fun exploring different fraction-based situations with a friendly little cow who helps guide readers through the story. Prompted by a poem and visual clue, students are encouraged to solve fraction-based problems on each page.

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [MA2019] (4) 15 :

15. Model and justify decompositions of fractions and explain addition and subtraction of fractions as joining or separating parts referring to the same whole.

a. Decompose a fraction as a sum of unit fractions and as a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way using area models, length models, and equations.

b. Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators using fraction equivalence, properties of operations, and the relationship between addition and subtraction.

c. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers having like denominators, using drawings, visual fraction models, and equations to represent the problem.

In this learning activity, students will use Cuisenaire rods to decompose fractions. Students will explore fractional decompositions using these concrete materials. Students will show how a whole can be broken into parts and use an equation to represent the decomposed fraction. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

   View Standards     Standard(s): [MA2019] (4) 15 :

15. Model and justify decompositions of fractions and explain addition and subtraction of fractions as joining or separating parts referring to the same whole.

a. Decompose a fraction as a sum of unit fractions and as a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way using area models, length models, and equations.

b. Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators using fraction equivalence, properties of operations, and the relationship between addition and subtraction.

c. Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers having like denominators, using drawings, visual fraction models, and equations to represent the problem.

This activity gives students an opportunity to explain how to decompose a fraction as a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way using equations. This activity should be used at the end of a lesson or unit on fractional decomposition. 

This activity results from the ALEX Resource Development Summit.