Food Fraction Fun!

By: Nicole Laster


Third Grade Math Objective (s):

1.05    Use area or region models and set models of fractions to explore part-whole relationships.

  1. Represent fractions concretely and symbolically (halves, fourths, thirds, sixths, eighths).
  2. Compare and order fractions (halves, fourths, thirds, sixths, eighths) using models and benchmark numbers (zero, one-half, one); describe comparisons.
  3. Model and describe common equivalents, especially relationships among halves, fourths, and eighths, and thirds and sixths.
  4. Understand that the fractional relationships that occur between zero and one also occur between every two consecutive whole numbers.
  5. Understand and use mixed numbers and their equivalent fraction forms.


Fractions have two parts. A numerator and a denominator . Fractions can be related. Halves, Fourths, and Eighths are related. Thirds and Sixths are related too. Let's explore!



Let's start with the basics!

This is one whole .

Click here to see more examples of wholes:

http://animoto.com/play/k3Sli1yAed6qw9qrr0zn0g



These are halves . They have two equal parts. When you start with a whole and cut it equally, you have half. Two halves make one whole. To write a half you put 1 on top and 2 on the bottom: 1/2.

Click here to see more examples of halves:

http://animoto.com/play/Cjq6808bwlK5AVObh75CQg



These are fourths . You can make fourths by cutting the halves equally. When you put them back together they make one whole. One part of a fourth is written 1/4, two fourths is written 2/4, three-fourths is written 3/4, and four fourths is one whole 4/4 or 1 (one whole)!

Click here to see more examples of fourths:

http://animoto.com/play/XjLrFrweaMB9JEJWZra11A



These are eighths . You can make eighths by cutting fourths equally. You write one-eighth 1/8. If you have eight-eighths: 8/8 or 1: it is back to one whole!

Click here to see more examples of eighths:

http://animoto.com/play/F1iiODQmznNLUhu8XOm0hw



Let's review:

Halves, Fourths, and Eighths are equivalent fractions.



These are called thirds . When you have a whole and cut it into three equal parts, you have thirds.

One-third: 1/3

Two-thirds: 2/3

Three-thirds: 3/3=1 or one whole!

Click here to see more examples of thirds:

 http://animoto.com/play/oPtYNTfaBlqHkMtTewtf6w

 



These are sixths . Cutting each third in half equally will give you sixths. If you put all of the pieces back together you will have 6/6 which is one whole!

Click here to see more examples of sixths:

 http://animoto.com/play/unDXXAcsjjTaJvlPMpuhRQ



Let's Review:

Thirds and sixths are equivalent fractions.

Click here to practice more fractions:

http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-3

 



Fractions also come in sets. This picture shows fractions of a set. There are 8 berries (total number of fruit is the denominator). 2/8 are strawberries, 3/8 are cherries, and 3/8 are blueberries. 8/8 is the whole set.

Click here to play an awesome fraction game!

http://www.teacherlink.org/content/math/interactive/flash/kidsandcookies/kidcookie.php



1/4 of this candy bar has four pieces. The candy bar is broken into four parts. There are four pieces in each part. This candy bar has 16 pieces all together, so you can also write 4/16.

 



Fractions can also be mixed with whole numbers. These are called mixed numbers . There are two whole oranges and a half. Making this fraction 2 1/2.

Click here to practice mixed numbers:

http://www.jamit.com.au/htmlFolder/app1003.html



Mixed numbers can turn into improper fractions (or vice versa). An easy way to do it is to take the whole number, multiply it by the denominator, and then add the the numerator.

For example: In this orange problem there are 2 oranges and a half orange which is 2 1/2 this gives you 5 halves or 5/2. In other words you would have 3 oranges and cut them in half to get 6 pieces- but if you eat one of the halves you will have 5/2.

Click here to get more practice with mixed fractions:

http://www.mathsisfun.com/mixed-fractions.html




Fractions can be found and used almost anywhere.

This clock shows 1/2 past 2:00.



This recipe uses a lot of fractions!

3 1/2 cups water (mixed fraction)

1/2 cup bulger, 1/2 cup green lentils, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1 whole cauliflower head, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup roasted red pepper.

Click here to find more recipes that use fractions!

http://allrecipes.com/



This is a ruler. People use rulers for many different jobs. Rulers, yard sticks, meter sticks, miles, and kilometers all use fractions!



Fractions can be found in money! These quarters represent 4/4 of a whole dollar! 1 quarter is 1/4 of a dollar. 2 quarters is 2/4 of a dollar or 1/2. 3 quarters is 3/4 of a dollar. 4 quarters is 4/4 or one whole dollar!

Click here to practice more fractions using money and decimals:

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0933469.html



Knowing fractions can help you make new shapes!

If you cut a hexagon into sixths you will have 6 triangles.

If you cut a hexagon in half you will have 2 trapazoids.

Click here to practice fraction shapes:

http://math.rice.edu/~lanius/Patterns/

http://www.numbernut.com/advanced/activities/fraction_4card_shapes.shtml



Fractions can be represented in many different ways. You can use a calculator (0.25 = 1/4), a number line , objects, and pictures!

Click here for a free online fraction calculator:

http://www.homeschoolmath.net/worksheets/fraction_calculator.php

Click here for fraction word problems:

http://www.mathplayground.com/wpdatabase/Fractions1_1.htm



Fractions can be really fun! Knowing them can help with many other content areas. Think of all the different jobs that use fractions. Fractions can be found everywhere! Have fun exploring!

Click here for a fraction review video!

http://animoto.com/play/01Uge3L6vGAW9GxYP1aCqA