Math Project-Based Learning: Understand, Write & Partition Fractions | 3rd Grade

This 5-day project-based math resource applies math concepts in a real-world scenario to teach students about fractions, including writing fractions, drawing fractions, and partitioning shapes into fractions. In this 5-day unit, students will learn about fractions and then use that understanding to create a menu of donuts that are composed of fractional parts. This fraction math project is engaging and authentic. Plus, it’s available as both a digital and print resource.

This project-based math resource covers concepts of fractions and is aligned with the following 3rd Grade Math 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.G.A.2

• Partition shapes into parts with equal areas. Express the area of each part as a unit fraction of the whole.¬†For example, partition a shape into 4 parts with equal area, and describe the area of each part as 1/4 of the area of the shape.

This resource is available in both Printable & Digital Google Slides versions.

What’s included in this resource:

• Background Knowledge: Students will brainstorm ways that they can approach the driving question.
• Fraction Introduction: Students will learn what a fraction is and learn that the parts of a fraction need to be partitioned equally.
• Understanding Numerator & Denominator: Students will learn what the numerator and denominator represent in a fraction. The students will apply this and shade in fraction models to match fractions in numerical form.
• Understanding Partitioning: Students will learn how to partition circles, rectangles, and squares. The students will use this new learning to create donuts that are partitioned into equal parts.
• Designing a Menu: Students will use what they have learned about fractions to design a menu of donuts with two or more flavors per donut.
• Wrap Up: Students will plan and review the donuts that they created for the menu and review fraction vocabulary.

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