Lesson 12

Fraction Puzzles

Est. Class Sessions: 1–2
X

Mathematical Standards

4.NF.B
Build fractions from unit fractions. (4.NF.B.3)

Standards for Mathematical Practice

MP1.
Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP2.
Reason quantitatively.
MP4.
Model with mathematics.
MP6.
Attend to precision.

Given clues, students work in groups of four to solve fraction puzzles. After solving the fourth fraction puzzle, students work independently to explain their solutions and to communicate their problem-solving strategies. Sample student work and the Math Practices page are used as guides for exemplary work.

Content in this Lesson

  • Representing fractions using area models (circle pieces and drawings) [E1].
  • Using words and numbers to name fractions [E2].
  • Writing number sentences from area models of fractions (e.g., 2/3 = 1/2 + 1/6) [E6].
  • Working collaboratively to solve problems.
  • Solving extended-response problems and communicating problem-solving strategies [MPE3, MPE5].

Daily Practice and Problems MM–NN

MM. Fractions of a Group

NN. Shannon's Candy Box

X

Materials for Students

Daily Practice and Problems Lesson Homework Assessment

Student Books

 Student Guide    
Student Activity Book      

Teacher Resources

 Teacher Guide - digital    

Supplies for Student Groups

red, pink, orange, yellow, aqua, and blue fraction circle pieces
4 envelopes or paper clips for storing puzzles
1 copy of one of the following Masters: Jerome's Work, Grace's Work, or Ana's Work (Teacher Guide)

Materials for the Teacher

Display of Jerome's Work Master (Teacher Guide), optional
Display of Grace's Work Master (Teacher Guide), optional
Display of Ana's Work Master (Teacher Guide), optional
Unit 8 Assessment Record
Individual Assessment Record
Display set of fraction circle pieces

Materials Preparation

Fraction Puzzles. There are four different fraction puzzles. The clues for each puzzle are labeled with the same letter and are found on the Fraction Puzzle Clues Masters. Enough copies should be made so that each group of students has a set of clues for each puzzle. Puzzle D is an assessment and should be done after the other puzzles are completed. Cut out the clue cards for each puzzle and paper clip each set of cards together or place the clues for each puzzle in an envelope labeled with the puzzle letter.

TIMS Tip

Copy each set of clues on colored paper using a different color for each puzzle. After being cut apart, the clues can be laminated so they can be used again.

Work Samples. For the Summarizing the Lesson section, make enough copies of the Jerome's Work, Grace's Work, and Ana's Work Masters so that you can assign at least one work sample to each group of students to review and so that each work sample will be evaluated by two groups.

Assessment in this Lesson

Assessment Expectation Assessed Math Practices Expectation Assessed

Puzzle Problem
with Feedback Box
Student Activity Book
Pages 313–314
E1.
Represent fractions using area models (circle pieces, fraction strips, drawings) and number lines.
E2.
Use words and numbers to name fractions.
E6.
Write number sentences from area models of fractions (e.g., 1/2 = 3/6, 1/3 + 1/3 = 2/3, 1/3 + 1/3 + 1/3 = 1/3 × 3).
MPE3.
Check for reasonableness. I look back at my solution to see if my answer makes sense. If it does not, I try again.
MPE5.
Show my work. I show or tell how I arrived at my answer so someone else can understand my thinking.