Unit 6, Lesson 7-- Pattern Block Fractions

Lesson 7-- Pattern Block Fractions

Introduction

Hello Mathematicians! Today we will build fractions using familiar pattern block shapes.

 Visual

Today we are going to build "hexagon sandwiches". The yellow hexagon will be the bottom layer, or bun.

The red trapezoids, blue rhombi, and green triangles will be the "toppings" which will need to fit exactly on top of the bun and make a hexagon.

Yellow hexagon pattern block

Interactive

Part 1 Directions:

  • Use the interactive to explore different ways to build a hexagon using one type of pattern block at a time. Answer the following questions in your math notebook with drawings, numbers, and words:  
    • How do you build a hexagon with trapezoids? What fractional part of a hexagon does 1 red trapezoid represent?
    • How do you build a hexagon with rhombuses? What fractional part of a hexagon does 1 blue rhombus represent?
    • How do you build a hexagon with triangles?  What fractional part of a hexagon does 1 green triangle represent?

Part 2 Directions:

  • How many different ways can you build a hexagon with different pattern block pieces?
  • Use any combination of red trapezoids, blue rhombuses, and green triangles.
  • For each design, record the fractional parts using unit fractions in your notebook. 
  • Two examples are shown:

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Georgia Department of Education, Math