Partition Squares, Rectangles, & Circles
The students will be able to partition squares, rectangles, and circles into two or four equal parts using the words halves, fourths, a half of, and a fourth of.
Essential Question
What are different ways we can divide shapes into equal parts?
Lesson Progression
- Teacher will first begin by explaining the difference between a half and a fourth of something.
- Teacher will provide examples of each
- Teacher will have students practice with squares, rectangles, and circles. (halves and fourths)
- Once the students have had time to practice, the teacher will give them three plates. One plate, they can decorate and show that is is 1 whole. The second plate, they can decorate, and then cut to show halves. The third plate, they can decorate, and then cut to show fourths.
- Students will have time to share.
Teacher Notes
Differentiation: Remediation can focus on equal parts of a whole. Show non examples of equal parts alongside shapes decomposed into equal parts and have the student(s) sort accordingly.
Extension: You can give students the option to do the activity with rectangles (including squares).
PBS Video on equal parts
Learn how to divide a pizza into halves, fourths, and eighths when Oksana, the Odd Squad chef, shows off all of the delectable treats she makes with pudding.
Standards
- 1.NR Numerical Reasoning
- 2.NR Numerical Reasoning
- 2.NR.4 Represent and compare partitioned shapes in multiple ways using part-whole relationships
- 2.NR.4.1 Partition in multiple ways squares, rectangles, and circles into two or four equal sized parts, and describe the parts using the words halves, fourths, a half of, and a fourth of (not quarters)
- 2.NR.4.2 Explain that when partitioning a square, rectangle, or circle into two or four equal parts, the parts become smaller as the number of parts increases
- 2.NR.4 Represent and compare partitioned shapes in multiple ways using part-whole relationships
Assessments
Teacher will assess the students by whether or not they are able to demonstrate in the activity that they know the difference between a whole, half, and fourth.