Math 7

Unit 5 Operations with Fractions

Lesson 5.1   Using Models to Add Fractions

Grayscale Grids

In this next unit you will be working with fractions.

You will have done a lot of work with fraction pies  (circles), which is great!
But...  having fraction circles handy in a variety of divisions is not practical.
You can accomplish exactly the same thing using grids instead of circles.
I will be using grids a LOT of the time to illustrate the ideas of this unit.
I encourage you to keep reading, and then download and print a few pages of grid paper to have HANDY so you can work with these ideas yourself!!

Below are links to two documents that have grayscale grids.
These are grids that have been created at various shades of gray, from black down to light gray.
It can be very helpful to have a lighter grid to work on, so the lines are less distracting.
You can experiment with your personal preference as well as your printer to see what works best.
Once you find a page that works,  most printers will let you print copies of  just that page.

NOTE!   If you work with these grids and feel like you would prefer a different size, different size squares, etc.,  LET ME KNOW!
I can easily create a document with grids of different sizes if that would help you with your work in math class.

I would recommend printing a bunch of copies to have on hand for your work in math class.

15 x 20 squares   LINK

25 x 30 squares    LINK

Video Tutorial

Focus

The FOCUS section introduces the main concept that will be covered in the lesson.

Use Pattern Blocks and fraction circles to add fractions.

TEXT Page 178

Read/Work through the  Focus  section at the top of page 178 in  your textbook.

Watch

Video Tutorial

Explore

Explore an idea or problem.
The exploration provides the background for the ideas presented in the lesson.

TEXT Page 178

Read/Work through the  Explore  section on Page 178 in your textbook.

If you have a set of Pattern Blocks, great!
If you don’t, but you want to try the activity,  this website has a set of virtual pattern blocks you can work with.

You can do this activity on your own.
Do your best to answer the questions, then watch the Video Tutorial for help or to check your answers.

Watch

Video Tutorial

Connect

Connect summarizes the math in the lesson.
A presentation of ideas connected to the lesson focus.

Before you do the Connect section,  try to identify what fraction each of the clock faces below is illustrating.

TEXT Page 179

Read/Work through the  Connect  section on Page 179 in your textbook.

Even if you KNOW you are going to watch the video, READING this section is still important.

Getting the same information in multiple ways can help with understanding.

Watch

Video Tutorial

Example

The Example will give you TOOLS for solving problems, and also show you that there may be different ways to approach a question.

Example

TEXT Page 179

Work through the Example  on Page 179 in your textbook.

Demonstration

This is the demonstration I used when I did the example.
Feel free to experiment to help you with the idea of adding fractions.

Compare two fractions.

If the pieces aren't the same size, you can't add.

Change the divisions to create equivalent fractions where the pieces are the same size,  then you can add.

Watch

Video Tutorial

USE GRID PAPER!!!
Video Tutorial  (doing the example with grid paper)

Practice Problems

Doing Practice Problems

Practice problems reinforce the math presented in this lesson.

•	Work through the practice problems for this lesson.
	These problems are for practice, you don’t need to hand them in!
	(your teacher may assign specific questions for you to complete)

•	Use the answers in the back of the book to CHECK YOUR WORK!

•	If you make a mistake, TRY TO FIX IT!

•	If you need help or want more information, view the video solutions provided.

•	If you still need more help,  CONTACT YOUR TEACHER!

Types of Practice Problems

Assessment Focus a question that gives a good example of the kind of question you would be expected to answer after completing the lesson

Take It Further questions offer enrichment and extension.

Video Solution Links

Check your work for every problem you do!
If you make a mistake,  try to fix it!
Use the video solutions for more information.
If a problem still doesn’t make sense, ASK YOUR TEACHER FOR HELP!

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