Contextualization

Hello, class! Let's start a very interesting project about Fractions: Composing Shapes. But before we dive into this universe, let's understand a little more about Fractions and then about Shape Composition.

What are Fractions?

Fractions are a way to represent parts of a whole. They are expressed through a horizontal line called a fraction bar, which divides two numbers. The number above the bar is called the numerator and the number below the bar is called the denominator. The numerator represents the quantity of parts we have, and the denominator represents the number of equal parts into which the whole was divided.

For example, in the fraction 3/4, the numerator is 3, which means we have 3 parts. The denominator is 4, which tells us that the whole was divided into 4 equal parts. Therefore, 3/4 represents 3 parts of a whole that was divided into 4 equal parts.

What is Shape Composition?

Shape Composition is the idea of creating a new shape by combining two or more smaller shapes. For this, we need to understand fractions because when composing shapes, we are actually dividing a whole into parts and then joining these parts to form a new figure.

For example, imagine we have a circle and a triangle. We can divide the circle into 4 equal parts and the triangle into 3 equal parts. If we take 2 parts of the circle and 1 part of the triangle, and put them together, we will have a new shape! That's Shape Composition!

Introduction

Now that we know what fractions are and shape composition, let's get our hands dirty! In this project, we will explore these two concepts in a practical and fun way. You will work in groups, which means you will have to learn to work as a team, listening to and respecting each other's opinions.

Let's go, the world of fractions and shapes is waiting for us!

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Composing Fractions, Composing Shapes"

Project Objective:

• Understand the concept of fractions and how they relate to shape composition.
• Develop problem-solving skills, communication, teamwork, and creative thinking.

Detailed Project Description:

In this project, each group will create a story involving fractions and shape composition, and then illustrate the story on a large poster. The figures and shapes on the poster should be made by the students themselves, who will divide each shape into fractions and then compose new shapes with these fractions. In the end, each group will present their story and the poster to the class.

Required Materials:

• A3 paper sheets or cardboard
• Ruler
• Colored pencils or markers
• Blunt scissors
• Glue
• Magazines for cutting (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide for the Activity:

1. Division of Tasks within the Group: Each group will divide tasks. Each group member can be responsible for drawing a part of the story, but everyone must participate in dividing the shapes and composing the figures.
2. Creating the Story: The group will create a story involving fractions and shape composition. The story can be invented, or it can be a story they already know, but it should be adapted to include fractions and composite shapes.
3. Drawing the Shapes: The group will draw the shapes from the story on the A3 paper or cardboard. Each shape should be drawn in a way that can be divided into fractions.
4. Division of Shapes into Fractions: Using the ruler, the group will divide each shape into fractions. Remember, the numerator represents the quantity of parts we have, and the denominator represents the number of equal parts into which the whole was divided.
5. Composition of Shapes: The group will compose new shapes by joining the divided parts. For example, if they have a circle divided into 4 parts and a triangle divided into 3 parts, they can join 2 parts of the circle with 1 part of the triangle to form a new shape.
6. Illustration of the Story: The group will illustrate the story on the poster using the composite shapes they created.
7. Presentation to the Class: On the day of the presentation, each group will explain the story they created and the meaning of the shapes and fractions on the poster. Remember to listen to and respect the ideas of all group members!

At the end of the project, each group should submit a report describing the teamwork process, the difficulties encountered and how they were overcome, and what they learned about fractions and shape composition.

Have fun and good work, class!