Fractions on Kid Pix

Students will create illustrations of fractions as parts of a whole and parts of a set using Kid Pix computer program.

A lesson plan for grades 2–3 Computer/Technology Skills, Information Skills, and Mathematics

By Ann Keable

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Related topics

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Learning outcomes

Students will demonstrate knowledge of fractions by illustrating fractions as parts of a whole and part of a set.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

30-40 minutes

Materials/resources

• Computer for each student
• Kid Pix Deluxe 3 program
• Printer/paper
• Cards with fractions on them (ex: 3/4) made by the teacher

Technology resources

• Computer lab - one computer per student
• Kid Pix Deluxe 3 Program on each computer
• Computer/TV monitor to demonstrate lesson

Pre-activities

• Students have been introduced to fractions.
• Students know that fractions are EQUAL parts.
• Teacher has demonstrated, with student input, fractions as parts of a whole and parts of a set using textbook, overhead fraction pieces, overhead colorful tiles
• Students have done assignments on fractions from text and teacher created worksheets to show fractions.

Activities

Teacher demonstrates lesson either in classroom prior to lab class (if accessible) or computer lab before students attempt assignment. If teacher demonstrates in the lab, time will be more limited. Teacher asks if there are questions as she demonstrates.

1. Teacher logs into computer and clicks on Kid Pix Deluxe 3 program. Students watch monitor to see demonstration.
2. Teacher picks a card from the fraction card pile. That is the fraction he/she will demonstrate. (Example: 3/8)
3. Teacher shows students the different tools that students will be using. The pencil tool will let you select drawing tool, straight line, circle or rectangle. Demonstrate using each how a circle, line, rectangle, square, etc. can be drawn (by clicking and holding down mouse, shape can be enlarged or reduced in size. Click off when desired size and shape is made.
4. Teacher demonstrates a rectangle and how to make 8 equal parts (the denominator of the fraction). She does this by using the pencil, straight line tool and holding down shift key as she moves mouse to create a straight lines. She tells students to be careful to make equal parts and be sure to have lines connect to the edges of the original rectangle.
5. Teacher clicks on paint bucket to “paint” the number of sections stated by the numerator (such as 3 for 3/8). The fraction for the shaded part is 3/8! Color can be chosen but tell students to choose a dark color because if printer is black/white, a light color may not show up when printed. Color printer option would be a plus!
6. Teacher then clicks on T for text box for the fraction to be typed as related to the illustration. Enter twice and type your name! Type what you want in box, then you can change text size and/font by clicking on choices at bottom of monitor. When you make your selection, you see the changes automatically in text box. When you like what font and size you have chosen, click outside the text box. To erase the box around text that remains, simply click on the eraser, then click on screen - outside text box. The box will disappear.
7. Teacher demonstrates clicking on printer icon to print work.
8. Click on paper icon above bomb icon to begin other task. Don’t save work.
9. Next, the teacher uses stamp tool to create a set. Using the same fraction, she may stamp 8 stamp graphics, having 3 of them different from the rest (example 5 flowers and 3 bees). The fraction would be 3/8 are bees. Or stamp 8 balls, with 3/8 being soccer balls, for example.
10. Using T for text, teacher demonstrates typing “3/8 are bees” “5/8 are flowers.”
11. Teacher explains rubric to students.
12. Students go to computers, log in and click on Kid Pix Deluxe 3.
13. Teacher hands out fraction cards, one per student. Teacher can carefully distribute easier ones to students who may be challenged with fractions with larger numbers. (Thirds may be more difficult to illustrate than fourths for some students).
14. Students draw part of whole using pencil and paint bucket tools, then parts of set using stamps. They label illustration with text tool.
15. Print work, don’t save - unless time was limited. Students should be able to complete expected assignment in 30 minutes.
16. Later, teacher grades product according to rubric. (See assessment section)

Assessment

Teacher uses rubric below to assess mastery of understanding each fraction assignment.

• 4 = Illustration accurately represents stated fraction. Equal pieces are evident in fraction of a whole and number of stamps in set is accurate.
• 3 = Illustration somewhat skewed, but number of parts is accurate. It represents fraction.
• 2 = Attempt is made but parts are not equal. Fraction is represented.
• 1 = Attempted, but overall inaccuracies. Fraction represents parts not shaded instead of parts shaded, wrong number of equal parts or number of stamps does not represent fraction given.
• 0 = Assignment not attempted

Supplemental information

Comments

Students can paste printed document in math journal with rubric. Students who show non-mastery can have additional review and attempts on paper and with crayons or markers.