9 Fractions and time
Fractions and Time
Cost: About $3.00 Difficulty: Low to Moderate Time: An hour Continuous: Yes
Summary: Teach students math, fractions, counting, and how to read an analog clock. Large print outs are included at the end of the lesson. The number of students that struggle when doing fractions, algebra, or even telling time on an analog clock is higher than you might expect. This is a good activity for teaching primary skills and ELO’s that should be refined during in-school time as well.
ELO’s – Math, algebra, fractions, reasoning, time, punctuality, making a schedule, order, critical thinking.
Supplies needed:
- Printed clocks sheet(s)
- Paper watch sheet
- Scrap paper or cardboard
- Optional: laminator, dry erase marker
Alternative option:
- Cardboard circles or:
- Cardboard sheets and scrap cardboard
- Compass or one circle for tracing
- Markers
- Scissors
- Brass fasteners
Simple Clock Template
Simple watch template
Pro-tip: Generally most teachers have access to a computer and printer, making this an inexpensive activity. If you also have access to a laminator and dry erase markers it can make this lesson even more effective in class by making the sheets reusable by laminating them.
Making the connection between Fractions and Time, then Back again…
Discussion:
The reason why telling time on an analog clock is important is because its related to fractions. Students who haven’t mastered telling time are more likely to also struggle with fractions. Or possibly the reverse could be said, students who struggle at fractions, are more likely to be unable to read an analog clock.
Let’s review the diagram above, and see exactly how they are related. 1/1 is one whole or could be represented as one whole hour. While ½ is represented as a half an hour or 30 minutes. This is the same as half past five or 30 minutes until 6. A ¼ represents 15 minutes on a clock, since 60 divided by 4 is 15. Fifteen until 5pm or a quarter after three. And 1/12 represents 5 minutes. Students will improve not only reading the clock faster but making an association of fractions with math & time by practicing to count up or down fives.
If students are struggling, have them break the clock down. Have them say the hour hand first, and then ask the student where is the minute hand. Is it less than ¾’s of the way? Or less than half? Less than ¼? Count by 5’s, then add one’s. There are many different variations. Find one that works for the student and also use their super cool personalitzed watch.