Fraction Message

Harper, Charles               Goldblatt Elementary School
                              1-312-638-7768
                           

Objective

The student will be able to find pictorial representations of fractions and decode 
messages. 

Equipment and Materials

Overhead projector   Transparencies            Typing paper
                     Colored markers           Compass
                     Cellophane tape           Protractor

Worksheet:
     Prepare a worksheet using fractional statements that when solved, the student 
will get a letter (alphabet) which will be used in a code to solve the message.  
Example:  "3 hrs. to a day"; "6 months to a year"; and "3 dimes to $.80."  This 
information is placed in chart form with a space above each statement for a letter of 
the alphabet.  When the statement is solved, the letter is filled in for that space.  
All the spaces are worked and filled in with the correct letter forming a code which 
will give a command for the student to carry out. 

Transparencies:
     Prepare transparencies which will show fractional parts of a circle.  Color code 
each fractional part.  A color can be used for all fractions showing thirds, fourths, 
and fifths.  With typing paper, design the code by placing the letters (alphabets) in 
the lower corners and the fractional names in the upper right corner.  Place the 
typing sheet behind the transparency and attach the top corners with tape. 

Recommended Strategies

     Review fractions by using the prepared transparencies. Remind the students that 
the numerator (number above the line) represents the sections used or shaded.  The 
denominator (number below the line) represents the total number of equal parts of the 
circle. Discuss all transparencies and place them so that they can be viewed with the 
codes visible in a line. Distribute the worksheets in a pack or individually. Have 
the students solve each statement and identify the answer in the coded section near 
the top.  The letter corresponding to the answer should be written above the 
statement.  When finished, the student will read and act out the message. Allow time 
to decode and act out the message.  Discuss any spelling errors.  Make sure the 
entire class knows the correct answer before moving to the next message.