'Finding fraction parts' tutor notes

The 'Finding fraction parts' module is aimed at level 1 of the Basic Skills Curriculum.
This module covers material in N2/L1.2 by looking at 'find parts of whole number quantities or measurements (e.g. 2/3 or 3/4): understanding the relationship between unit fractions and division when finding parts, and understanding that there are different strategies for finding different parts'.

We'd love to hear your comments on the module; do you like the factsheets, what do you think of the worksheets? Send in your and your students' feedback.

How does this tie in with the new curriculums?

• England
  N2/L1.2 - Understand the relationship between unit fractions and division when finding parts.
  Understand that there are different strategies for finding fractional parts.
• Wales
  As England.
• Northern Ireland
  As England.
• Scotland
  See www.aloscotland.com for details of the Scottish curriculum.

In the Skillswise module you'll find:

Finding fraction parts factsheets
You'll find curriculum references in the top right hand corner of the factsheets.
There are four factsheets for this module, each on 'print-out-and-keep' sheets:

• Factsheet 1 - Finding fraction parts, introduction.
• Factsheet 2 - The relationship between unit fractions and division.
• Factsheet 3 - Finding non-unit fraction parts.
• Factsheet 4 - Examples of two-step fraction problems.

Finding fraction parts activity
In this simple activity you can put in a fraction and a whole number and see the computer work out the answer. For example you could put in " of 30" and the activity will show the working and the answer.
This activity follows one particular method. It first divides by the denominator (to find one fraction part) then it multiplies that answer by the numerator. Answers are expressed in fractions throughout, rather than moving into decimals. There is cancelling down where appropriate, which is often shown as a separate step.
There are two versions of this activity. One lets you enter any fraction you like, the other restricts the options to unit fractions.
This activity is ideal for demonstration by the tutor or for investigation by the learner.

Finding fraction parts worksheets
There are 3 worksheets. You'll find curriculum references in the top right hand corner of the worksheets. They are printable resources to carry on the work learners have done online.

• Worksheet 1 - Questions on sharing accounts by working out fractions of the total quantity.
• Worksheet 2 - Further questions on finding fractions of total quantities.
• Worksheet 3 - Modifying recipes using non-unit fractions.

Find fraction parts quiz
The quiz has questions on finding fraction parts.

The learner can choose their level. Level A is the easiest, level C the hardest.
Students can print out a certificate if they score 50% or more in the quiz. This will appear as a link on the results page - click on the link and the certificate will appear in a new window. Students can write their name on the certificate once it's printed.

Technical help:

To get the most out of this topic area you need the following 'plug-ins':

• Flash
  The game in this topic section uses Flash. This is free to download and should only take a few minutes. You can follow the BBC WebWise instructions to download it to your machine.
  Find out more.

If you don't have Flash the same learning points are covered in the quiz and in the worksheets and factsheets.
If you are new to the web, why not try the BBC WebWise online course, Becoming WebWise? It's free, you can do it in your own time from any computer and it will take you through everything you need to know to use the web successfully in your teaching.
Get WebWise.

You can find out more about the technical requirements for Skillswise in our Help - Technical Information section.

Taking it further:

With Skillswise
When covering this topic your students might like to try some In the news quizzes which contain questions on finding fraction parts:

• Story from April 2002 about Britons confused over euro.
  

Find more In the news archive stories.
Read this week's current In the news.

Don't forget to visit Lesson plans and Teaching inspirations for more ideas for teaching finding fraction parts.

With the web
Here are some suggestions of other places on the web you might find useful for teaching finding fraction parts:

• University of Plymouth - Fractions
  Interactive, clickable fractions diagrams and questions. Your answers are marked as you go with a score updated at the bottom of the page. The questions are all set at Level 1 of the England, Wales, Northern Ireland curriculum. The page is part of the University of Plymouth's innovation in teaching maths section.
• University of Plymouth - Fractions of Quantities
  Plymouth Maths Resources: Finding fractions of whole number quantities. Interactive, clickable questions on finding fraction parts.
• University of Plymouth - Equivalent Fractions
  Plymouth Maths Resources: Equivalent fractions. Interactive, clickable questions on equivalent fractions.
• KS2 Bitesize
  Bitesize is a site linked to the Key Stage 2 National Tests. In the Fractions and Percentages sections there are activities, printable factsheets, worksheets and tests.
• Mathsnet
  Mathsnet is a site with interactive visual representations of fractions, and many other resources. Follow the 'What fractions look like' link on the above page to see the interactive diagrams.

Please note that the BBC is not responsible for the content of other websites.

Do you know of any great online resources for finding fractions of quantities? Tell us about them!