Teacher Instructions for Exploratory Activity

Teacher Instructions for Exploratory Activity

1. Students should be placed in groups of three (or more if you have a large student count). Pre-arrange your groups and give them a group number (Group #1, Group #2, etc.). Remember to write down the name of each student in the group.

2. Give each group one activity folder that includes all materials needed to complete the exploratory activity. This folder should be pre-made before the lesson.

3. Have students open folder and check for the following materials:

· Student activity directions

· 1 situational story problem worksheet (each student in a group will need a copy of the situational story assigned for that group)

· 3 workspace worksheets (or however many students are in the group)

· 1 white poster board

· 1 pack of colored markers

· 1 roll of double sided tape

· 1 uncoated paper plate

*Replace and missing materials.

4. Have students put all materials back in the folder, except for the situational story problem worksheet.

5. Ask students to listen carefully as you read the activity directions:

· Today you will complete an exploratory activity about equivalent fractions.

· To begin, one group member will need to read the instructions located at the top of the situational story problem worksheet.

· Although you are working as a group, each student in the group will be required to work the problem out independently on the paper provided in the activity folder labeled “workspace.”

· After each student has worked out the problem independently, group members will have 15 minutes to discuss the solution and mathematical strategies that were used to arrive at the correct answer.

· After you have come to a solution to the problem, each group will be required to create one pizza model that represents your answer. For example: If a group came up with an answer of 5/8. They would create one pizza model that represented 5/8 using the materials provided. (Hold up the model plate that you created before the lesson).

· You will use the paper plate, markers, tape, etc. to create your model. These materials are located in the activity folder given to each group at the beginning of the activity.

· After all groups have completed their pizza model, they will be required to locate another group’s pizza model that is equivalent to their pizza model.

· The two groups will then tape and label the two equivalent pizza models onto the poster board provided in the activity folder.

· Each group will have 25 minutes to create their model, locate their equivalent fraction group, and tape and label the two equivalent pizza models onto the poster board.

· If any group finishes before time is called, please still quietly with your group and do not disturb others that are still working!

· If you have a question at any time during the activity, please raise your hand and I will come over to assist you. If I am working with someone else at the time, please sit patiently until I am able to reach you.

· Please remember classroom academic and behavior expectations………and have FUN!!!!

****Teacher Notes:

There are six situational stories provided with this lesson. Each group should receive a different situational story. Each student in a group will need a copy of the situational story assigned for that group.

Student Exploratory Activity Directions

· To begin, one group member will need to read the instructions located at the top of the situational story problem worksheet located in the exploratory activity folder.

· Remember…….. Although you are working in a group, each student in the group will be required to work the problem out independently on the paper provided in the activity folder labeled “workspace.”

· After each student has worked out the problem independently, group members will have 15 minutes to discuss the solution and mathematical strategies that were used to arrive at the correct answer.

· After you have come to a solution to the problem, each group will be required to create one pizza model that represents your answer.

· You will use the paper plate, markers, tape, etc. to create your model. These materials are located in the activity folder given to each group at the beginning of the activity.

· After all groups have completed their pizza model, you will be required to locate another group’s pizza model that is equivalent to your pizza model.

· The two groups will then tape and label the two equivalent pizza models onto the poster board provided in the activity folder.

· Each group will have 25 minutes to create their model, locate their equivalent fraction group, and tape and label the two equivalent pizza models onto the poster board.

· If any group finishes before time is called, please still quietly with your group and do not disturb others that are still working!

· Please remember classroom academic and behavior expectations………and have FUN!!!!

Situational Story Problem

WORKSPACE

Situational Story Problem

Group Number: 1______Date: ______