In this activity we use a grid to help students think of different names for the same fraction. As they become familiar with a hundredths grid, they will find it easier to make connections between fractions and decimals.
list several different names for fractions represented by shaded rows in a hundredths grid.
Blank OHP transparency 10 x 10 grid, or blank 10 x 10 grid drawn on the black board with wet chalk (enabling shaded areas to be drawn in and erased with the grid remaining).
- Shade in several rows of the grid and ask students:
What fraction of the whole square has been shaded?
For example, if 4 rows have been shaded answers may include 4 tenths and 40 hundredthsHave students come up with as many names for the fraction as they can, asking them to explain their thinking.
- Extend the students’ thinking by asking them to double and half the fraction:
What is half of 4 tenths? How did you know?
- Repeat the activity with a different number of rows shaded.