Max Maths, Year 5, Learn together, Review of equivalent fractions (1)

In a Year 5 mathematics lesson, students explore the concept of equivalent fractions through a hands-on activity. Each student, Padma, Toby, Han, and Jade, starts with a piece of paper which they fold into different numbers of equal parts and then colour a certain number of those parts to visually represent fractions. Padma folds her paper into two equal parts and colours one, representing the fraction one-half. Toby divides his paper into six equal parts, colouring three to show three-sixths. Han's paper is folded into eight equal parts, with four being coloured to illustrate four-eighths. Lastly, Jade folds her paper into ten equal parts and colours five, demonstrating five-tenths.

The activity is designed to help students see that different fractions can represent the same proportion of a whole when the numerators and denominators are scaled proportionally. By folding and colouring the papers differently, students can visually compare the fractions and understand that one-half, three-sixths, four-eighths, and five-tenths all describe the same quantity. This practical exercise reinforces the concept of equivalent fractions, providing a foundation for further learning in mathematics. The students are encouraged to recognise the patterns between the numerators and denominators that make these fractions equivalent, which is a key step in their understanding of fraction equivalence.