Fractions - Calculate quantities - Presentation

The latest lesson on calculating quantities with fractions delves into both unit and non-unit fractions, requiring a systematic approach for accuracy. Systematic, in this context, means following a methodical and logical process to ensure calculations are performed correctly. The lesson incorporates practical activities with counters and bar models to visually represent fractions and aid in understanding. For instance, students use these tools to determine the whole number when given a fraction of it, such as finding that one quarter of 16 is 4, and thus the whole is 16 when four parts are each 4 counters.

Further activities challenge students to complete calculations involving both unit and non-unit fractions to find the whole or a part of the whole. Examples include determining that one fifth of 45 is 9, and three fifths is 27. The lesson progresses to real-life applications, such as calculating the volume of orange juice in a glass that is a fraction larger than another. In one scenario, Jane's glass is 4/10 more than Josh's 350ml glass, prompting students to calculate the total volume. Additionally, reasoning tasks encourage students to validate their understanding, such as verifying whether Tia needs to purchase a large bag of balloons based on the fraction of the total number she requires. Independent work and discussions about the use of bar models to represent and solve calculations further reinforce the concepts taught in the lesson.