Birthday Balloons is a problem created for fifth graders to explore fractions. At a party, each guest takes a different proportion of remaining balloons until only a few are left. Students are to determine a way to find the original amount of balloons and construct an argumentative response.
Microsoft Word version: 5_NF_Fractions_Problem_Construct_BirthdayBalloons
PDF version: 5_NF_Fractions_Problem_Construct_BirthdayBalloons
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Microsoft Word version: 5_NF_Fractions_ArgumentFrame_Critique
PDF version: 5_NF_Fractions_ArgumentFrame_Critique
Running a Race is a task designed for fourth graders working on multiplying fractions by a whole number. The task is an application problem that asks students to compare which answer will be larger. Skills necessary to complete this task sufficiently may include multiplying a fraction by a whole number, finding common denominators, and comparing fractions. Students are asked to make a claim and support it with an explanation.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsMultiplication_Problem_Critique_RunningARace
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsMultiplication_Problem_Critique_RunningARace
Lemonade is a task for fourth-grade students learning how to multiply fractions, specifically a mixed number in this problem. Two responses are given as to how many lemons are needed, but no work is shown as to how an answer was determined. Through argumentative language, students are asked to critique given responses, provide evidence, and explain their thinking.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsMultiplication_Problem_Critique_Lemonade
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsMultiplication_Problem_Critique_Lemonade
This task was used with fourth graders to develop reasoning skills with multiplication of a fraction and a whole number. It also requires students to solve a two-step problem by comparing their solution to data given in the problem.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsMultiplication_Problem_Critique_HeightOfSunflowers
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsMultiplication_Problem_Critique_HeightOfSunflowers
This task was used with fourth graders. It requires students to understand the meaning of multiplication in relation to the value of the factors. The task emphasizes fractional number sense and the relationship of a fraction to 1.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsMultiplication_Problem_Critique_ComparingProducts
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsMultiplication_Problem_Critique_ComparingProducts
Agreeing or Disagreeing with Sally is a task designed for fourth graders working on fraction fluency. Students are asked to compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators. Students must critique an argument that states that two fractions are equivalent by agreeing or disagreeing and explaining the decision. The task will also allow students to demonstrate ability to create equivalent fractions.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsEquivalence_Problem_Critique_AgreeingOrDisagreeingWithSally
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsEquivalence_Problem_Critique_AgreeingOrDisagreeingWithSally
Students were able to come up with more than one way to solve the problem and then compare the work of other students. The task also allowed students to argue about the reasoning of others.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsDecimals_Problem_Construct
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsDecimals_Problem_Construct
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Running Out of Gasoline is task designed for fourth graders comprehending how to compare fractions. Students are given the amount of gas left in two different car tanks as a fraction with different numerators and denominators. The task is scaffolded through multiple questions that contain argumentative language asking the students to break apart the fractions, use equivalent fractions, and ultimately critique a response and provide justification.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_RunningOutOfGasoline
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_RunningOutOfGasoline
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I used this task in the beginning of the school year with 6th graders who were struggling with fractions. I had 2 main objectives for this task. One was to give students more practice with equivalent fractions, and two was to introduce the Talk Frame to the students.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_WhoAteMore
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_WhoAteMore
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