As a mathematics teacher, it can be challenging to teach students how to add fractions with like denominators. However, strip models have proved to be a useful tool in teaching this concept to students. This article will explore some activities that teachers can use to teach students to add fractions with like denominators using strip models.
Activity 1: Create a Strip Model
The first activity involves creating a strip model on the board, smartboard or chart paper. To begin, draw two strips on the board. One strip represents the first fraction, and the other strip represents the second fraction. Divide each strip into the same number of equal parts or segments. For example, one strip could be divided into six equal parts, and the other could be divided into six equal parts.
Next, shade in the appropriate number of segments to represent the numerator for each fraction. Label each segment with the corresponding numerator. For example, if the first fraction is 2/6, shade in two segments and label them with the number two. Then shade in two segments for the second fraction and label them with the number two.
Finally, add the shaded segments together and label the sum with the correct numerator. For example, since the two fractions have the same denominator, the sum of the numerators will be 4. The completed strip model will show how to add the fractions with like denominators.
Activity 2: Cut and Paste Strip Models
The second activity involves cutting and pasting strip models. To begin, provide students with strips of paper that are divided into equal parts or segments. Then, provide students with fractions that have the same denominator.
Next, instruct students to shade in the appropriate number of segments to represent the numerators for each fraction. For example, if the first fraction is 1/5, students should shade in one of the five equal parts of the strip. Then, if the second fraction is 3/5, students should shade in three of the five equal parts of the strip.
Finally, instruct students to cut out the strips and paste them onto a larger piece of paper. This will allow students to physically see how the fractions can be added with like denominators by combining the shaded segments on the strips. This activity will appeal to kinesthetic learners and provide a concrete representation of adding fractions with like denominators.
Activity 3: Solve Real-World Problems
The third activity involves solving real-world problems using strip models. To begin, provide students with word problems that involve adding fractions with like denominators. For example, “Sarah baked 1/2 of a pie, and her sister baked 1/4 of a pie. How much pie did they bake altogether?”
Next, instruct students to create a strip model for each fraction in the problem. Then, add the fractions together using the strip models to find the answer. This activity will help students apply the concept of adding fractions with like denominators to real-world scenarios and enhance their problem solving skills.
In conclusion, strip models can be a useful tool for teaching students how to add fractions with like denominators. The above activities will engage students and provide them with a concrete representation of combining fractions with like denominators. By using these activities, teachers can ensure that students grasp this fundamental mathematical concept.
