Technology Modeling Better Math Blog

The attached activity helps students understand how to multiply fractions together with the help of a grid model. The students will use the GeoGebra app to demonstrate two fractions and how they can be combined in a grid. This lesson will help students visualize fractions and also visualize a multiplication problem. The teacher will introduce the GeoGebra App (https://www.geogebra.org/m/RqRdUusq) and walk the students through how to solve a problem on this app. The teacher will also explain what the solution represents using the GeoGebra App for examples.

The students will have the opportunity to become familiar with the app by generating and solving their own problems. This time will be dedicated for the students to learn the app and ask any clarifying questions they may have about the app or about the problems in general. This lesson will also have the students model the multiplication problems through drawing as well. Viewing the grid product of the problem and then drawing the product will help students solidify the connections between the two original fractions as well as the product.

This lesson can be extended upon by having the students draw their own grids without the help of the app. They can start out by making the box that is up and down as the first fraction. Then the students would draw the next fraction by imagining a new blank box that goes side to side and then it would slide on top of the first fraction. This will help the students learn about creating the grid and how big the grid should be. The students can also use this app to check their work and visualize a grid representation of a fraction.