Activity Overview
Students learn to use the calculator to collect a set of data in order to identify patterns that illustrate important rational number concepts: the relationship between rational numbers and division, and equivalent fraction and decimal forms for rational numbers.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 21 - 29 from the attached PDF file
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the activity procedure:
Choose a divisor to use with a variety of dividends
Explore the different forms in which the quotient can be displayed on the calculator
Make a chart to record each of the quotients in integer quotient with remainder form, non-simplified fraction form, simplified fraction form, mixed number form, and decimal form
Organize the information in the chart by ordering the dividends and look for patterns
Write down three patterns seen in the chart to share and discuss
Make a conjecture based on that pattern and then use the calculator to test the conjecture
Try several dividends with a given divisor and then try the same set of dividends with another divisor
Support or disapprove statements related to rational numbers and operations
Use other elementary school activities to develop an understanding of rational numbers and rational number operations
After the Activity
Review students results and re-teach concepts as necessary.