An Educator's Reference Desk Lesson Plan
Submitted by: Dean Mueller Date: May 21, 1998
Grade Level(s): 2, 3
Subject(s):
This lesson is designed to improve students' understanding of fractions by using a fun manipulative (M & M candies). The students will sort their bowl of M & M's into colors and then, for each color, they will write out, both longhand and numerically, the fraction that represents how many of their M & M's are that color.
GOAL: Students will understand what fractions are and how to use them.
OBJECTIVES:
The students will understand what the numerator and the denominator represent. The students will be able to read and write fractions both in the longhand and numerical form.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
This activity very easily, captures and keeps the students attention. This lesson sticks with the students which enables you to refer back to it throughout the unit on fractions.
CONCEPTS:
The students will understand that the numerator is the number of selected parts. The students will understand that the denominator is the total number of equal parts, that make up the whole.
MATERIALS:
M & M's
Bowl
Cups (one per student)
PROCEDURE:
1. Have a big bowl of M & Ms sitting on the front table.
2. Tell the students that they will get a cup full of M & Ms, but before they do this they must agree not to eat any of their M & Ms until they have completed their assignment. If they do eat any of their M & M's they will not be able to participate and will lose the points for the M & M assignment. The teacher will call two students at a time to come up and get their M & Ms.
3. Pick two students to be class monitors and inform the class that these two students will tell the teacher if anyone is eating during the activity.
4. The teacher will fill up the students cups and have them return to their seat.
5. Once all of the students have returned to their seats, tell the students that for now there is no talking and they have to work on their own.
6. Have them carefully pour their M & Ms onto their desks.
7. At this time, tell the students to count all of their M & M's and write that number on a sheet of paper.
8. Have the students count the number of green M & M's that they have. The students must now write out, both longhand and numerically (ex. two-sixths or 2/6), the fraction of their M & Ms that are green.
9. Repeat this process for all of the colors of M & Ms.
10. Once all of the students have completed this, have them get together with the person that they came up to get their M & Ms with.
11. Now they should explain their M & Ms fractions to each other.
12. They should switch places with their partners and check each other's work.
13. The teacher will call on each group one at a time to come up to the board and write their fractions the same way that they have written them on their paper.
CLOSURE:
Allow students to eat their M & M's and check for understanding by taking a random sample.
ASSESSMENT:
1. Random sample
- example: randomly call on students and have them explain their colors in fractions.
2. Rubric
- observe the students throughout the lesson and use a rubric for the following topics: