Introduction to Fractions

Content Standards

In this lesson, learners demonstrate an understanding of fractions as parts of a whole and recognize equivalent fractions in visual and contextual formats.

Performance Standards

Students will be able to:

Identify and represent fractions as part of a whole using visual models.
Understand the concepts of numerator and denominator.
Generate and recognize equivalent fractions.
Compare and order fractions with denominators.

Alignment Standards

Reference: NCERT Book Alignment

The lesson is aligned with the NCERT Grade 6 Mathematics Textbook-Chapter 7: Fractions

Section : 7.1 to 7.3 (Parts of a whole, Equivalent fractions, Comparison of Fractions)

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Define a fraction and identify its components (numerator, denominator).
Visually represent fractions using shaded objects.
Use virtual models to understand real-world applications of fractions.
Identify and compare equivalent fractions.
Relate fractions to daily life scenarios.

Prerequisites (Prior Knowledge)

Basic understanding of whole numbers and division.
Basic idea of sharing and parts.
Familiarity with shapes like circles and rectangles.

Introduction

In this session, students will explore the idea of fractions as parts of a whole using examples from daily life—such as eating a piece of chocolate or sharing slices of fruit. They’ll learn how to represent parts visually and numerically.

Timeline (40 Minutes)

Title	Approximate Duration	Procedure	Reference Material
Engage	5	Ask: “If you and a friend shared a pizza equally, how much would each of you get?” Show an image of a whole pizza and a half pizza. Ask: “Can we describe this with numbers?” Prompt students: “Let’s discover how to describe parts of a whole using math!”	Slides
Explore	10	Distribute shape cut-outs (circles, rectangles). Ask students to predict 1/2, 3/4, 1/4, etc. Use chocolate bar strips or paper models to physically demonstrate parts of a whole. Pair discussions: “What part of your shape is shaded? How do you know?”	Slides
Explain	10	Teacher Explanation: – Fraction = Numerator/Denominator – Examples: 1/2 pizza, 2/4 pizza = 1/2 – Proper vs Improper fractions – Equivalent fractions using slice models Use a Virtual Lab to drag real-life pizza slices and demonstrate the concept.	Slides and Virtual Lab
Evaluate	10	Continue in Virtual Lab: Students attempt for the Self-Evaluation on LMS.	Virtual Lab
Extend	5	Discuss: “Where else do you see fractions?” Examples: sharing cake, splitting bills, recipe measurements. Encourage students to describe one situation from their home where they use parts.	Slides

Introduction to Fractions

Introduction

In this session, you will explore fractions through examples from daily life, learn how to represent them visually and numerically, and understand why fractions are important.

Theory

Introduction: Why Fractions?

Have you ever shared a chocolate bar with a friend and thought about how to divide it fairly? Or maybe you wanted to eat half a pizza and leave the rest for your family? These situations use fractions—a way to describe parts of a whole.

Fractions are a way to represent parts of a whole. They help us measure, share, and compare quantities in a precise way.

Fractions help us:

Divide things fairly (like sharing food or toys).
Measure parts of a whole (like half a cup of sugar).
Compare quantities easily (is 3/4 more or less than 2/3?).

Fractions make everyday life easier and are a foundation for learning decimals, percentages, ratios, and even algebra later on.

What is a Fraction?

A fraction represents a part of a whole. It has two parts:

Numerator: The number of parts you have or are considering.
Denominator: The total number of equal parts the whole is divided into.

Example: In the fraction 3/4 :

3 = parts you have (numerator)
4 = total parts (denominator)

Visual Representation of Fractions

Fractions are easier to understand when we see them.

Imagine a pizza divided into 4 equal slices:

If you eat 1 slice, you have eaten ¼ of the pizza.

Types of Fractions

Fractions come in different forms:

Proper Fraction: Numerator is less than Denominator.
- Example: 3/5
Improper Fraction: Numerator is greater than or equal to Denominator.
- Example: 5/4
Mixed Number: Combination of a whole number and a fraction.
- Example: 1 ½

Equivalent Fractions

Different fractions can represent the same value.
Example: 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8

How? Multiply or divide numerator and denominator by the same number.

Why Are Fractions Important?

Fractions are everywhere in daily life:

Cooking: ½ cup sugar, ¾ teaspoon salt
Money: Sharing bills, 1/3 of the cost
Time: A quarter past 10, half an hour

Fractions are the building blocks for more advanced math like decimals, percentages, ratios, and algebra.

Vocabulary

This is the list of vocabulary terms used throughout the lesson.

Fraction – part of a whole
Numerator – number of parts taken
Denominator – total number of equal parts
Proper Fraction – numerator < denominator
Improper Fraction – numerator ≥ denominator
Mixed Number – whole number + fraction
Equivalent Fractions – fractions that represent the same value
Simplest Form – fraction in its lowest terms

Introduction to Fractions

Introduction

Welcome to the Virtual Pizza Fractions Lab!

Here, you’ll slice and share a pizza to learn fractions. Drag slices to make the fractions, see the equations update automatically, and test your skills with fun quiz questions. Learn how fractions work in real life while playing with your favorite food!

Key Features

Virtual pizza-making experience to visualize fractions
Drag and drop pizza slices to form given fractions
Interactive fraction visualization with real-time feedback
Automatic fraction equation display with every activity
MCQ for engagement integrated at the end

Step-by-Step Procedure for VR Experience

Step-by-step Procedure for VR Experience

Step 1: Enter the virtual lab with a whole pizza.
Step 2: Drag and drop slices from the pizza to a plate to represent the fraction.
Step 3: Repeat for new challenges.
Step 4: Observe the fraction equation generated: (e.g., “You selected 4/8 → Simplifies to 1/2”).
Step 5: Click Take Quiz to attempt MCQ questions (2 scenario-based).