Summer SAVY 2018: Session 4, Day 4 – Fractions at Work (Rising 3rd/4th)
We are sad to see our SAVY Fractions at Work class come to an end! We are truly applying new concepts moment by moment as we jump into projects and problem solving. Your mathematicians are astute learners, well-prepared for rigorous curriculum.
Two highlights of today were our guest speaker and our urban planning collaboration. Jessica Lawson, Ph.D. candidate, shared with us about math in music. We thoroughly enjoyed the ‘ostinato’ she taught us, layering 4 unique rhythms. Then we applied our fraction knowledge to write the rhythms in musical language [1/4 note, 1/8th note, 1/16th note, whole notes…]. We ended our time with Ms. Jess by writing our own measures of 4/4 music.
We are so excited to share our City Planning with you during the SAVY Open House tomorrow! Our collaboration skills have improved greatly. We’re learning the value of listening to other’s ideas, as well as sharing our own. According to one of our group leaders, “Other people’s ideas give us new ideas, and it’s just more fun.” City edges, districts, public spaces and landmarks are all coming together.
A mind stretch today was division of fractions! The scaffold was in place, due to all our concept work this week. They actually did great! We looked at cutting ¾ of a foot of wood into pieces that are 1/16th of a foot each. Being able to visualize and apply the operation, helped with the new algorithm. Even without mastery, constructivist exposure to these concepts will be very helpful later when they are presented formally.
Throughout our time together this week, we have investigated 5 interpretations of fractions: parts of whole /parts of sets; fractions as result of dividing 2 numbers; fractions as ratio of 2 quantities; fractions as operators; and fractions as measures. I’m so proud of the perseverance and engagement of your learners! Thank you for having them join us at SAVY this summer. I hope to see you tomorrow: 3:15-3:45 pm, Sutherland floor 3. Many thanks!
Cindy Pfister
Working on Our Cities
Fun with Math and Music
