WebQuest | fractions

Introduction

The purpose of this WebQuest is to teach you how to add/subtract fractions. You will practice adding and subtracting fractions with different denominators, including improper fractions and mixed numbers. You will have to find equivalent fractions as well as fractions in simplest form!

First, read the notes on adding and subtracting fractions at:

http://www.mathsisfun.com/fractions_addition.html

Task

Dear Fifth Graders,

I spent all night last night trying to make some delicious treats for our class. I got really stumped when trying to make enough for all of you, and then even more stuck when I lost a few of my measuring cups. I need your help!

This Web Quest will have two parts. During the first part, you will spend time reviewing the fraction concepts we have already learned. Making sure you have these concepts mastered will help you complete part two! You will complete part one on your own and then work with a partner or group of three to complete part two.

The second part of this Web Quest will have your group taking a look at two recipes I want to make for you all. The first recipe needs to be doubled and I need your help to figure out how much of each ingredient I need. The second recipe is tricky because I lost some of my measuring cups and I need you to help me figure out how to measure the ingredients using the measuring cups I do have. You will use your fraction skills to fix the recipes for me and rewrite them so that I can take them home and make your yummy treats!

Thanks for your help,

Mr. Weathers

Process

Part One: Fraction Review!

Complete these activities IN ORDER, by yourself. Check off each one you complete on your checklist. Ask Mr. Weathers if you have any questions

1. Watch the following video clips about fractions on Brian Pop.

Parts of a Whole:http://www.brainpopjr.com/math/fractions/basicpartsofawhole/preview.weml

More Fractions:http://www.brainpopjr.com/math/fractions/morefractions/preview.weml

Even More Fractions:http://www.brainpop.com/math/numbersandoperations/fractions/preview.weml

2. Master this concept on IXL - Get to 100 Points!

http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-3/fraction-review

3. Play at least one of these games.Fractions -http://jamit.com.au/htmlFolder/app1001.html

Name the Fractions - http://www.vectorkids.com/vkfractions.htm

Pizza Party - http://www.primarygames.com/fractions/congrats.htm

4. Watch the following video clips about equivalent fractions on Brian Pop.

Equivalent Fractions:http://www.brainpopjr.com/math/fractions/equivalentfractions/preview.weml

5. Master this concept on IXL - Get to 100 Points!

http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-3/equivalent-fractions-type-missing-numerator-or-denominator

6. Play at least one of these games.

Mighty Math -http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/mmath/mmath_frac.html

Equivalent Fraction Match -http://www.helpingwithmath.com/resources/games/fraction_game3/matching.html

Pizza Maker - http://www.mrnussbaum.com/pizza_game/index.html

Fraction Frenzy - http://www.learningplanet.com/sam/ff/index.asp

Equivalent Fraction Match -http://www.hbschool.com/activity/con_math/g04c20.html

7. Watch the following video clips about improper fractions and mixed numbers on Brian Pop.

Mixed Numbers:http://www.brainpopjr.com/math/fractions/mixednumbers/preview.weml

Mixed Numbers 2:http://www.brainpop.com/math/numbersandoperations/mixednumbers/preview.weml

8. Master this concept on IXL - Get to 100 Points!

http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-4/convert-between-improper-fractions-and-mixed-numbers

9. Play at least one of these games.

Birds - http://jamit.com.au/htmlFolder/app1003.html

Ice Cream Cones - http://www.mrnussbaum.com/icecream/index.html

Impoper Fraction Jeopardy - http://www.quia.com/cb/186132.html

10. Watch the following video clips about adding and subtracting fractions on Brian Pop.

Adding and Subtracting Fractions:http://www.brainpop.com/math/numbersandoperations/addingandsubtractingfractions/preview.weml

11. Master this concept on IXL - Get to 100 points!

http://www.ixl.com/math/grade-4/add-and-subtract-fractions-with-like-denominators

12. Play at least one of these games.

Fruit Shoot -http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/mathgames/fractions/FruitShootFractionsAddition.htm

Race Cars - http://funschool.kaboose.com/fun-blaster/back-to-school/games/game_action_fraction.html

Adding Fractions -http://www.softschools.com/math/games/fractions_practice.jsp

Part 2: Recipes!

Now that you have finished part one and brushed up on your fraction skills, I need your help! You will be placed with a group who will work on fixing these recipes for me. Work together to follow the directions given for each recipe.

I was trying to make some brownies for our class! The thing is, I need to make twice as much to have enough for all of you. I need your help to re-write this recipe for double the brownies! Work carefully... we want these brownies to taste delicious!

Delicious Chocolate Brownies

1/2 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons water

1/2 teaspoon salt2 tablespoons water

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 inch square pan.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter and water. Cook over medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Mix in the eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the chocolate mixture. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until brownies set up. Cool in the pan and cut into squares.

After I gave up trying to make brownies, I tried to make some Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins. The only problem is, I lost all of my measuring cups and spoons EXCEPT my 1/8 cup and my 1/2 teaspoon. I need your help rewriting this recipe so that I can make these muffins for you using only an 1/8 cup and 1/2 teaspoon.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

3/4 cup sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the egg, oil, yogurt and vanilla.
2. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in bananas and chocolate chips.
3. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks.

Part 3: Final Presentation

Once you and your group have agreed on both recipes, it is time to make a final presentation. You have a choice to put the recipes on a poster, in a power point, or on index recipe cards. Your group will present your recipes for the class!