LESSON PLAN RATIONAL NUMBERS

Name: Tawana Woods

Grade Level: 8th grade

Topic: Rational Numbers

Objectives (P.A.S.S.): The student will use numbers and number relationships to solve problems.
1. Compare and order rational numbers (positive and negative integers,
fractions, decimals). (2.1.a)
2. Use the basic operations on rational numbers. (2.1.b)
3. Use the rules of exponents, including integer exponents, to solve problems.
(2.2.a)
4. Represent and interpret large numbers and numbers less than one in
exponential and scientific notation. (2.2.b)

Materials and Resources:

Textbook – Glencoe Mathematics Applications and Concepts Course 3 and
Chapter 2 Resource Masters.
Mimioconnect.com (website for free lesson plans to use with Mimio)
“Fall Fractions” – Mimio lesson
Algebra Pizzazz worksheet #35 – modified and changed
Materials for poster project/activity
Oklahoma State (PASS) Mathematics Content Standards Grade 8

Instruction:

1. Introduction

Class will discuss how we use fractions and decimals every day such as in recipes, tools, medicine
dosages, etc. Discussion will include why fractions and decimals are important to each of us.
Prior knowledge will be assessed by a Pre-Test and a vocabulary worksheet will be given to look
up and define terminology used. Students were also challenged to not be “afraid of fractions.”

2. Instructional Process

Each lesson began with questions from the previous lesson and then opened the new lesson with
“When or How am I ever going to use this?” (This relates the math concept with real-life
Connections.) The math content was broken down into the following segments. Each segment
Usually took one day with extra time spent with signed fractions. Each lesson was closed with
A short summary and questions over the lesson taught.

1. Express rational numbers as decimals and decimals as fractions.

2. Compare and order rational numbers.
3. Multiply fractions.
4. Divide fractions.
5. Add and subtract fractions with like denominators.
6. Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators.
7. Solve equations involving rational numbers.
8. Use powers and exponents in expressions.
9. Express numbers in scientific notation.

Activities:

1. Magic Squares (Lesson 2-6 Enrichment)- This activity is made up of 3 by 3 squares that a
magic sum for each square; each row, column and diagonal all have the same sum in that
square. But these squares have fractions instead of whole numbers. This involves adding
or subtracting fractions. This was given as Bonus points which motivated many of the
students. Once one square was worked together as a class, the other squares were
easier to get.
2. Fall Fractions mimio lesson from mimioconnect.com was downloaded to mimio. Class
was divided into groups and the groups competed against each other to see who could
go to the mimio board or the computer to get the correct answers. Each person in the
group had to have a turn for that group. This mimio lesson had an interactive result for
each page. This included comparing fractions, ordering fractions, simplifying fractions,
matching fractions with mixed numbers, equivalent fractions, subtracting fractions and
multiplying fractions. The students loved going to the board for interactive part. This
activity took one day.
3. All students counted off and were given three sections within chapter 2 of the textbook
to make a poster for each section with theses directions. “If you were teaching this
lesson to someone else what would you put on your poster (construction paper) to help
you teach this lesson? You can put anything from or about this lesson on your poster.
You can draw, write, cut out pictures from magazines or whatever is appropriate.” Each
student did three different lessons. When the posters were completed, each student
presented them to the class. This made a great review of the chapter. Then posters
were posted for display in the room. This project allowed everyone regardless of ability
to participate and have success.
4. Algebra Pizzazz worksheet # 35 was taken and changed to problems that the students
needed to have practice on. (I could not find what I needed.) This worksheet allowed the
needed extra practice with signed rational numbers. It also allowed immediate feedback
because all the answers were there to check. Algebra Pizzazz also brings fun into math
with the riddles that you solve. The immediate feedback helps IEP students gain success.
 3. Closure
Each lesson was summarized and answered any questions students had over the lesson.
Activity number three made a great overall closure and review. A post-test was given to
Conclude the unit on Rational Numers.

Assessment:
Daily assignments from the textbook or worksheets
Pre- and Post-test
Activities (one, two and three)

Modifications
Most students understood the lessons on fractions with a prior knowledge, however, the positive
and negative signs threw them and time had to be increased for those lessons. Some students
needed more individual help with remembering how to operate with fractions. For the IEP students,
working in groups seemed to help them understand better. They were also given extra time on
work as needed. One student that has ADD has a seat close to the front to help retain focus. IEP
students are also allowed to get their test back and correct their test up to 70%, if they score below
that score.

Reflection
The activities that were tried this time seemed to help the students with rational numbers. The
Interactive download from mimioconnect.com was really good. Next year I will put more time on
Looking to find other activities to help in the area of signed fractions – students had a harder time
In this area. After the poster project, students seemed more ready for the post-test than they were
For the pre-test.