Number Session 8: Rational Numbers and Proportional Reasoning

In this session, we will look at ways to interpret, model and work with rational numbers. We will examine various ways to determine the "unit" of the ratio we're expressing with a rational number and to explore the basics of proportional reasoning.

For information on required and/or optional materials, see Note 1.

Part A:
Interpreting Fractions, Units, and Unitizing

Part B:
Fractions With Cuisenaire Rods

Part C:
Absolute and Relative Reasoning

Homework

In this session, you will do the following:
•	Understand fractions in both part-part and part-whole interpretations
•	Understand units and unitizing
•	Learn how to use Cuisenaire Rods to represent and model computation with fractions
•	Understand the differences between absolute and relative thinking and their relationships to mathematical operations
•	Learn that proportional reasoning is an example of relative or multiplicative thinking


	Throughout the session you will be prompted to view short video segments. In addition to these excerpts, you may choose to watch the full-length video of this session.


	Previously Introduced:		New in This Session:
	rational numbers		absolute comparison part-part interpretation part-whole interpretation relative comparison

Cuisenaire ® Rods are used with permission of ETA/Cuisenaire®.

Next > Part A: Interpreting Fractions, Units, and Unitizing

Session 8: Index | Notes | Solutions | Video