Learning Halves, Fourths and Eighths with Apples

Last week the second graders were learning about halves, fourths and eighths in math class. We used apples to help learn about it. I chose 3 different kinds of apples, so then we could do it three times and then at the end we each got to taste the apples to find out which was our favorite. We made a tally graph and then made a bar graph to show our results. I started cutting the first apple into half and asked them how many halves make up a whole apple. We discussed that one part of the apple is called one half then. Then I asked how many pieces I would have if I cut both halves into half again (4.)

We had fourths then and knew that four fourths make up a whole. We discussed how each part of those is called one-fourth. I asked how many pieces we would have if I cut each of those into half again. Some knew right away that it would be 8.

We did that 2 more times, as I had two more different kinds of apples. Then the kids got a piece from each apple and had to decide on their favorite.

When they got done tasting their apples, they were instructed to raise their hand telling what their favorite kind was. I had 3 plates with the kind identifed on there.

As they raised their hand, I called on them to tell me their favorite. I made a tally graph as they responded. We tally each day, so the kids are getting good at that.

Here is what our results looked like...

Then the students used that information to make a bar graph based on how many students liked each kind of apple.

Learning about Angles

Today to finish up math, I thought I'd do something fun-- a little acting out of angles and other math terms. I did this with my fifth grader and 3 sixth graders. They thought it was a special treat to end the class with photography and acting out! I found this idea in a teaching magazine, so brought it to class to show the kids-- of course they said that they'd be happy to do it and they thought it looked like fun.

Perpendicular angle

Right angle

Obtuse angle

Obtuse angle-- different angle that I took the picture

Acute angle

Parallel Lines

Right when I called out"parallel lines" they kids all said "train tracks...make a train track!" Guess I've used that example a lot while teaching about parallel lines!...

Intersecting Lines

I think I'll print the pictures out and hang them up in the math room somewheres...the kids want to make some kind of a book with them. Maybe I'll put the picture on the page and they have to identify it and put a good definition down....