This document outlines a 5th grade mathematics lesson plan on fractions. The lesson introduces fractions through a jellybean counting activity. Students then review adding and subtracting fractions using poster examples. Real-world fraction word problems are presented involving baking recipes for cakes. Students work through adjusting the recipes to serve different numbers of people. The lesson closes with students reporting their jellybean counts as fractions.

1. Ashley Thompson
11 March 2013
5th
Grade Mathematics
Fractions in Real Life
Standard:
CCSS.Math.Content.5.NF.A.2 Solve word problems involving addition and
subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike
denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to represent the problem.
Objectives:
TSW recall previous knowledge of adding and subtracting fractions (refresher
poster).
TSW apply fractions to real life (cake shop).
TSW perform a hands-on task to acquire fractions (Jellybeans).
Materials:
o Fraction refresher posters
o Fraction ladder poster
o Fraction song poster
o Starburst Jellybeans
o Recipe posters

2. Set:
TTW ask students to guess the number of jellybeans by looking in a see-through
container. TTW provide students with refresher information. TTW ask students to recall
information from previous lessons. TTW ask questions like, “What is a denominator?”
“What is a numerator?” “Do you know how to add or subtract fractions?” TTW present
fraction refresher posters. TTW explain in detail the posters. After the teacher presents
these posters, TTW pull out fraction song poster. TTW ask the class to snap their fingers
to a beat. TTW ask if the students know Justin Beiber’s “Baby” song. Once the beat is
going, the teacher will then perform the song.
Procedures:
TTW ask the students opening questions about baking. “Have you ever baked a
cake?” “What kind?” What’s your favorite?” TTW provide the students with a
dilemma.
You own a sweet shop. You are really backed up baking cakes. There are several
special orders and 2 of your employees are out with the flu. You must make 2 cakes in
one hour.
After the dilemma is presented, TTW pull up the chocolate cake recipe poster.
TTW explain to students that this recipe calls for 12 servings. The teacher explains that
there will be 20-24 guests at the graduation party, and 12 servings will not suffice. TTW
ask students what needs to be done and why?
Original Recipe:

3. 1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
New Recipe (Left blank on poster for students to answer)
2 (18.25 ounce) packages devil's food cake mix
2 (5.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups sour cream
2 cups vegetable oil
8 eggs
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
TTW present students with another baking dilemma. This time, the cake is a
birthday cake for a small group. The recipe calls for 24, but there will only be 10-12
guests. What do you need to do?
Original Recipe (given on poster)
1 cup butter
2 cups white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 eggs
3 teaspoons baking powder
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 pinch salt
Revised Recipe (Numbers not given on poster)
1/2 cup butter
1 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1/2 pinch salt
After the baking dilemmas are over, TTW provide students with a handful of
jellybeans. Each student gets a different amount as well as colors. The teacher will ask
the student to write down however many jellybeans they have. TTW ask the student to

4. write down how many red, green, pink, yellow, orange, and purple ones they have. After
this is reported, TTW ask students to turn numbers into fractions (over total jellybeans).
Then, TTW ask students how many purple and red ones there are out of total?
Closure:
TTW provide student with correct number of jellybeans.
Adaptations:
Extension: