LEGO® Math: Introductory Fractions

In this class, learners will use LEGO® bricks to model and work with fractions. 

A Note for Parents: 
*Please note that the concepts in this class range from 3rd to 5th grade material and that they are covered in a 45 minute class period. I think of this class as more of a hands-on "review of introductory fractions concepts" rather than a learner's first actual introduction to the concept of fractions. This class is best for learners who already have some exposure to fractions. For example, students should be able to recognize that each slice of a pizza cut into 8 slices is "one eighth" and that this is written 1/8.
*For those who are new to fractions and wish to move at a slower pace (with more practice and scaffolding), I have a flex class that covers the same material, but over the course of several weeks of practice: https://outschool.com/classes/lego(r)-math-digging-into-introductory-fractions-Vx79ktmZ#usAKt43137


In this class, we will: 
1. Learn to use LEGO® bricks as a simple model for fractions by defining the whole and then identifying the fractional parts represented by other bricks.  
2.Compare fractions with unlike denominators
3. Find equivalent fractions
4. Simplify fractions
5. Add fractions with like and unlike denominators

This class addresses the following Common Core State Standards: 

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.1
Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3
Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.A
Understand two fractions as equivalent (equal) if they are the same size, or the same point on a number line.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.B
Recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions, e.g., 1/2 = 2/4, 4/6 = 2/3. Explain why the fractions are equivalent, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.D
Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.A.2
Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators, e.g., by creating common denominators or numerators, or by comparing to a benchmark fraction such as 1/2. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.B.3.A
Understand addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and separating parts referring to the same whole.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.A.1
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions in such a way as to produce an equivalent sum or difference of fractions with like denominators.