Prior knowledge.

• Paper-fold various fractions by using a combination of strategies based on halving, thirding and fifthing.

Background

To become effective users of multiplication and division, students need to develop an understanding of the role of factors in these operations. For example, multiplying by two then five is the same as multiplying by ten, dividing by four is the same as dividing by two then two again. The relationship between division and fractions is also an important one to identify. This practical activity helps students to start exploring such relationships.

This activity also encourages students to consider how to create quality work – what is most important and what is less important. It also gives them practice at looking at work, providing constructive feedback and looking at how to improve work.

Comments on the Exercises

Exercise 1
Asks students to explore related fractions of 1/2, 1/4, 1/8s using paper folding.

Exercise 2
Asks students to explore related fractions of 1/3s and of 1/5s using paper folding.

Student Project
Asks students to work in groups to produce a poster about the mathematics they learnt in the paper folding fractions.