Common denominators:  Two fractions have a common denominator if the number on the bottom part of the fraction (showing the whole) is the same

Numerator:  The numerator is the top part of the fraction.  It shows the number of parts of the whole.

Denominator:  The denominator is the bottom part of the fraction.  It shows the number of pieces the whole is broken into.

• Students will apply their knowledge of fractions to create a fraction sundae.

This lesson should take approximately two 40 minute class periods to complete.

• Large White Construction Paper
• Colored Construction Paper
• Markers, crayons or colored pencils
• Assessment Checklist
• Fraction Worksheet
• Rough draft paper
• Ice Cream Scoop and Bowl tracer
• Scissors
• Glue
• fraction sundae tracer.docx
  fraction sundaes.pdf

Webb’s Depth of Knowledge:  Skill/Concept, Strategic Thinking, Extended Thinking

W: WHERE/WHY/WHAT

This lesson is most appropriate for students who have mastered the fourth grade skill of addition and subtraction with like or common denominators.

H: HOOK

This lesson will allow students to have the opportunity to embrace the math skills acquired in math and apply them in a fun, hands-on, real-life way.

E: EXPLORE/EXPERIENCE/EQUIP

This lesson provides students the opportunity to utilize art in math.  Students will be able to create an ice cream sundae using the addition of fractions.  Students who have a passion for art (and may not love math) will be afforded the opportunity to show off their skills in a mathematical way.

R: RETHINK/REHEARSE/REVISE/REFINE

Students will be creating a rough draft of sundae before creating the finished product.  This will give the students the chance to rethink and revise their work using the assessment checklist before putting it on the good copy.  Students will then create the final ice cream sundae creation.

E: EVALUATE

Students will be informally assessed during activity via teacher observation.  While completing the rough draft and final sundae, students will have the assessment checklist available for constant self-checking.  Teacher will formally assess the sundaes using the assessment checklist to determine the level of understanding.

T: TAILORED

This lesson is tailored for a fourth grade student who has mastered the skills of addition of fractions with like or common denominators. This lesson could also be used as a third grade gifted project.

O: ORGANIZED

This lesson is organized into an introduction, a mini lesson/review, sundae creation and self/teacher assessment. 

*(Prior to lesson, teacher will need to prepare his/her own fractional sundae to share with class.   Each sundae must have 10 scoops of ice cream.  Each sundae must have at least, but no more than, four flavors of ice cream.  When adding scoops, there should be 10 total scoops, out of the whole 10 scoops. The fraction should be changed to 1 whole.)

1.  Teacher will begin by asking the students to peer share with their neighbor what makes up the ice cream sundae of their dreams.  Teacher will then ask volunteers to share with class.
2. Teacher will share his/her fraction sundae without the fraction addition problem attached.  Teacher will tell students what is on his/her sundae.  
3. Teacher will share his/her addition problem with the colored scoops shaded in.  Teacher will review the process of addition with like denominators to add up the scoops of ice cream. Teacher will review that when numerator and denominator are the same, fraction is equal to one whole.
4. Students will then begin sketching rough drafts of ice cream sundae.  They should choose four flavors and produce addition problem representing the fraction. 
5. Students will self-assess using checklist before beginning final sundae.
6. Students will create final fraction sundae. They should trace and cut bowl and ten scoops.  Scoops should be correct colors.  Ex:  Pink construction paper should be used for strawberry ice cream. Students will glue on scoops and decorate with toppings of choice.  Students will glue on addition problem cut out. Students need to color the scoops on addition problem according to the flavored used.
7. Students will self assess once again after completion.
8. Teacher will assess using assessment worksheet.

fraction sundae assessment checklist.docx

http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/common-denominator.html

This website provides a brief tutorial on addition with common denominators.   It has example questions for students to answer.