A WebQuest for Fifth Grade Fractions
Designed by:
Rachel Wologo
Introduction
This WebQuest was designed as a task for students to complete after completing a fractions unit. It allows students to apply their knowledge and what they have learned about fractions to real world situations, such as recipes. It is important for students to understand they what they are learning in school can be applied to their everyday lives.
I wanted to make the tasks fun for students to complete so I chose the WebQuest theme to be that of a Cooking Competition. The beginning of the WebQuest also acts as a review for fractions allowing students to watch videos and use online tools to practice working with fractions before actually modifying recipes.
If you would like to use this WebQuest in your classroom, please email me for modifications to fit your classroom's needs.
I wanted to make the tasks fun for students to complete so I chose the WebQuest theme to be that of a Cooking Competition. The beginning of the WebQuest also acts as a review for fractions allowing students to watch videos and use online tools to practice working with fractions before actually modifying recipes.
If you would like to use this WebQuest in your classroom, please email me for modifications to fit your classroom's needs.
Learners
This WebQuest is intended for fifth grade students, with a focus on fractions. However, it could also be used in fourth grade as a math challenge or in sixth grade as a fractions review.
Students completing the WebQuest need a strong background in fractions and multiplication. It is designed to be a review and/or real world application of the concepts.
Students completing the WebQuest need a strong background in fractions and multiplication. It is designed to be a review and/or real world application of the concepts.
Curriculum Standards
This WebQuest meets the following Common Core State Standards:
This WebQuest also meets the following Standards for Mathematical Practice:
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multiply a fraction or whole number by a fraction.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.6 Solve real world problems involving multiplication of fractions and mixed numbers, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem.
- CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.B.5 Interpret multiplication as scaling (resizing).
This WebQuest also meets the following Standards for Mathematical Practice:
- CCSS.Math.Practice.MP1 Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
- CCSS.Math.Practice.MP5 Use appropriate tools strategically.
- CCSS.Math.Practice.MP6 Attend to precision.
Process
The WebQuest is organized to begin with a review of multiplying fractions. Students watch video showing the steps on how to multiply fractions. Then, students practice using online tools.
Next, the students review mixed numbers and simplest form. Again, they will watch videos showing the steps to working with these concepts and will then have a change to practice.
Third, students will learn how recipes involve fractions. They will be able to see how recipes can be modified to serve a specific amount of people. In order to increase a recipe, numbers and fractions need to be multiplied to get the desired serving size. Students will have the opportunity to watch a video on how to increase serving sizes and try it themselves.
Finally, in the last task students will be looking at three different recipes (appetizer, main dish, and dessert). They will need to modify or increase each recipe to serve our entire class, which currently is 25 students.
Next, the students review mixed numbers and simplest form. Again, they will watch videos showing the steps to working with these concepts and will then have a change to practice.
Third, students will learn how recipes involve fractions. They will be able to see how recipes can be modified to serve a specific amount of people. In order to increase a recipe, numbers and fractions need to be multiplied to get the desired serving size. Students will have the opportunity to watch a video on how to increase serving sizes and try it themselves.
Finally, in the last task students will be looking at three different recipes (appetizer, main dish, and dessert). They will need to modify or increase each recipe to serve our entire class, which currently is 25 students.
Resources Needed
In order to complete the WebQuest students will need access to a computer with the internet. This WebQuest does use videos to review concepts, therefore students may want/need access to headphones to create a quieter environment. Some videos used are found on YouTube. It would be a good idea to make sure your district allows access to that site.
This WebQuest can be directed by the teacher and/or used individually by the students. Parent volunteers may be helpful, if necessary.
Websites and videos used in this WebQuest can be found on the Credits Page.
This WebQuest can be directed by the teacher and/or used individually by the students. Parent volunteers may be helpful, if necessary.
Websites and videos used in this WebQuest can be found on the Credits Page.
Evaluation
Student work done with the WebQuest can be evaluated using a 4 point rubric. This rubric takes into consideration the student's procedure and strategies in solving the tasks, the mathematical calculations, the terminology and written responses, and overall completion of each task. The rubric can be found on the Evaluation Page.
Conclusion
This WebQuest gives students a chance to use their knowledge of fractions and put all their hard work to the test in a real world application. The WebQuest highlights that fractions are used in everyday life, such as in the kitchen. It also gives teachers a way to assess their students to see if they could apply their learning to a mathematical task or problem.
Credits
I want to thank all the people who took the time to create the resources and videos used in this WebQuest. They are being put to good use to better the education of young minds.
Visit the Credits Page to view the full list of resources used.
Visit the Credits Page to view the full list of resources used.