Fractions: Mud Pie Math

Submitted by: Jodi McGill, Caughman Road Elementary

Grade Level: Second     Subject: Math

Core Curriculum Objective: 
 Identify, name, and demonstrate fractional parts of a set or region using a variety of manipulatives and pictures (e.g. equal versus unequal parts of a whole, wholes, halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, eighths, and tenths). Write the corresponding fractions and order them correctly. (2NR5-1)

State Standard:  Number and Numeration Systems/ Develop the concept of fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals and use models to relate fractions to decimals and to find equivalent fractions/identify the parts of a set and/or region that represents one-half, one-third, one-fourth, one-sixth, one-eighth, and one-tenth and write the corresponding fractions and order them correctly.  (2IB1) 

Overview: Students will identify and name fractional parts through the use of manipulatives called Mud Pies. They will label and identify halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, eighths, and tenths and order them correctly. Students will participate in class computer demonstrations on identifying fractions in a tutorial program. As a culminating activity, students will prepare Mud Pie Dessert for collaborative groups using their knowledge of equal fractional parts.

Focus Questions: How can we determine equal parts? How do we write a fraction?

Time Frame: 2 Days (one hour each day)

Resources/Materials: 
Construction paper 

Circle cut-outs 

Markers 

Scissors 

Glue 

Paper, pencils 

Chart paper 

Mud Pie Math Journal 

Averkey,

 television 

Computer 

Internet access 

Computer lab/classroom computers 

Mud Pie Recipe: 3 family size boxed Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix milk (follow recipe) oreo cookies (one box), crumbled Large Mixing bowl, measuring cup, spoon, 3 pie tins

Poem: Arithmetic Pie by Babs Bell Hajdusiewiez 

Poem: Fractions Take the Cake by Heidi LaFlamma 

Book: Pigs in the Pantry-Fun with Math and Cooking. Amy Axelrod. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Assessment: 

* Teacher observation of students' ability to correctly formulate equal fractional parts. (Mud Pie Dessert)

* Mud Pie Journal entry: Students will illustrate mud pies and show 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, and 1/10. 

Score Journals as follows:

2 Students correctly illustrate, label, and explain halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, eighths, and tenths and compare.

1 Students adequately complete 4 parts of the assignment but leave out significant information.

0 Students are not able to illustrate, label, and explain coherently how the process worked.

 Instructional Activities: 

Day One: 
1. The teacher will introduce the term, fraction, to the students. She will write the word on the Mud Pie Fraction Chart (chart paper). Other terms to be introduced are : halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, eighths, and tenths. The teacher will write each of these on the Mud Pie Chart. The teacher will demonstrate how to write a fraction for each of the above. (ex. One-half 1/2)

2. The teacher will share the poem, Arithmetic Pie. The class will discuss 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4. After hearing the poem it should be noted that the smaller fraction has the larger denominator. Using construction paper circle cut-outs, the teacher will demonstrate halves as she cuts the circle evenly down the middle. Then she will demonstrate thirds as she cuts the next circle into 3 equal parts. Lastly, she will demonstrate fourths as she cuts the next circle into 4 equal parts. The teacher will glue these pictures to the Mud Pie Chart beside the appropriate fractional word name.

3. The teacher will lead a discussion on how to show sixths, eighths, and tenths in the same pictorial representations as above. * These will be done on Day Two by the students.

4. Using the Averkey, the teacher will direct the students to the tutorial computer website, www.visualfractions.com Go to Identify Fractions/ with circles. * Different denominators may be keyed in for practice. A discussion of the tutorial should be conducted as the class works through the presentation.

5. The teacher will review the terms on the Mud Pie Chart with the students. Students will be asked to bring in recipes from home for the Day Two Lesson.

Day Two:

1. The teacher will review the terms and fractional parts on the Mud Pies Chart.

2. The teacher will read the poem, Fractions Take the Cake, to the class. The students will work in collaborative groups and compare the fractions they found in their recipes. The teacher will list the Recipe Fractions on a chart, demonstrating how to write and say each one. Students will echo read the chart upon completion of the chart.

3. The teacher will pass out supplies for making Mud Pies( construction paper, markers, scissors, glue, and circle cut-outs.) Journals will be provided. The teacher will refer to the Mud Pie Chart to lead the demonstration for making each of the fractional representations. Students will make Mud Pie Fraction Circles for: 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/6, 1/8, and 1/10 and will glue them into the Journal, one fraction per page.

4. The teacher will write the word names and the fractions on the board for the students to copy into the journal with each picture.

5. Students will prepare the Mud Pie Dessert (chocolate pudding with oreo crumbs) according to the package. * Measuring accordingly. Mixture will be poured into 3 pie tins and refrigerated. Later in the day, students will divide the dessert into the appropriate number of fractional parts to accommodate the class. *Try to make each container into the same fractional parts.

Enrichment Activities: Students who complete the Mud Pie Journal activity early may wish to visit the website www.Yahooligans.com/School_Bell/Math 

Go to Just the Facts:/ Fractions, decimals, and percents/ All about fractions. 

* This site could also be used in the computer lab as a whole class activity.