Putting the Pieces Together (Making a Fractional Quilt)

Demetria E. McKnight           Bateman Elementary School
                               4220 N. Richmond
                               Chicago IL 60618
                               (312) 534-5055

Objectives:

*  Demonstrate a phenomenological approach to teaching fractions.

*  This lesson is designed to motivate students to develop a sense of 
   equivalent fractions.

*  To explore addition of fractions with unlike denominators. 

*  Students will be able to divide a whole number into specified equal parts.
         
Materials Needed:

(1)  1 large cardboard backing that will accommodate approx. (20) 9"x12"
     poster boards or felt

(2)  20 multicolor 9"x12" poster boards or multicolor felt

(3)  glue or needles and thread (depending if you are gluing or sewing
     your quilt)

(4)  scissors

(5)  sturdy backing for each 9"x12" poster board

(6)  paper clips/straight pens (optional)

(7)  (20)  3.5" blocks of paper (small swatches)

Strategy:

Students are given small paper swatches with a designated number on the back.
Each student is required to cut their 9"x12" poster board into blocks or 
horizontal equal fractional pieces that will represent the number on their 
swatch, i.e., if the number is 6, the students will cut their 9"x12" poster 
board into 6 equal parts.  The paper must be positioned, so that the cut is 
held in the 9 inch position.  Label each piece 1/6.

Challenge students to use their rulers or any measureable tool to cut their 
strips or blocks into equal amount of pieces, that represents the number on 
their swatch.  Forbid folding the paper.  Encourage students to cut their paper 
into blocks and/or strips.

Group students according to the number on the back of their small swatch.  
Recommended grouping:  |   2  |  3  |  4  | 5  |  6  |
                       |   4  |  6  |  8  | 10 |  12 |
                       |   8  |  9  | 12  | 15 |  18 |
                       |  10  | 12  | 16  | 20 |  24 |
Assemble students into groups of 4's.  Students will compile their pieces into 
one pile.  Students will take turns picking pieces from the pile. Students will 
combine their fractional pieces, adding their fractions, and making sure 
that when all of their pieces are in place, their 9"x12" replica will equal one 
whole.  For example, if a student select the following pieces; 1/4, 1/16, 1/16, 
1/16, 1/16, 1/16, 1/8, 1/8  add.

     1     10
    --- = ----
     4     40

     5     20
    --- = ----
     10    40

     2     10
    --- = ----
     8     40
   --------------
           40
          ---- = 1
           40

Each group will make up to four different configurations (patterns).  Students 
will paste their design on a sturdy 9"x12" poster board, for the backing.  If 
felt is used, allow students to sew the pieces together, or have them glue the 
pieces on the 9"x12" sturdy poster board.  

Collect all finished quilt pieces.  Place each 9"x12" on large canvas or 
whatever you are using to display your quilt.  Remember you will need a canvas 
that will accommodate approximately (20) 9"x12" poster boards.