1: Partitions and Unit Fractions

• Math
• Primary Education
• Age 8

Partitions and Unit Fractions

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to model a unit fraction by partitioning a whole object or set into equal parts limited to 10 or fewer equal parts.

Introduce the learning objective and make sure students understand what they will be able to do by the end of the lesson.

What do you already know about equal parts and unit fractions?

What is a Unit Fraction?

A unit fraction is a fraction where the numerator is 1 and the denominator is a whole number.

Explain what a unit fraction is and give examples to help students understand.

Partitioning Objects

Partitioning is the process of dividing something into smaller parts. In this lesson, we will be partitioning whole objects into equal parts.

Explain what partitioning is and why we will be using it in this lesson.

Equal Parts

Equal parts are parts that are the same size. When partitioning an object, it is important to make sure all the parts are equal.

Explain the importance of equal parts and how to ensure all parts are the same size.

Representing Unit Fractions

We can represent unit fractions using shapes. For example, a half can be represented using a square that is divided into two equal parts.

Demonstrate how to represent unit fractions using shapes and give examples to help students understand.

Partitioning Shapes

Now let's try partitioning a shape into equal parts. This is a rectangle divided into four equal parts.

Use an interactive whiteboard or printed worksheet to demonstrate how to partition shapes into equal parts.

Modeling a Unit Fraction

Using the partitioned shape, we can model a unit fraction. Each part is one-fourth, which can be written as 1/4.

Explain how to model a unit fraction using the partitioned shape and give examples to help students understand.

Modeling with Sets

We can also model unit fractions using sets or groups of objects. For example, this set of eight apples can be divided into eight equal parts to model a unit fraction.

Demonstrate how to model unit fractions using sets or groups of objects and give examples to help students understand.

Practice Exercise

Now it's your turn to practice modeling unit fractions by partitioning shapes and sets. Complete the worksheet provided.

Provide students with a worksheet or interactive activity to practice modeling unit fractions by partitioning shapes and sets.

Review

Today we learned about modeling a unit fraction by partitioning whole objects or sets into equal parts. We also learned about the importance of equal parts and how to represent unit fractions using shapes.

Summarize the key points of the lesson and make sure students understand what they have learned.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.