These activities allow you to explore mixed numbers and improper fractions with the help of visual models and the number line. You can also play a game where you make mixed numbers from visual models.
There are three sections:
In the first section (Intro), you will first of all build improper fractions using different visual models or a number line. You can choose the numerator and the denominator of the fraction, to see how it is illustrated with a visual model or on a number line. Then you can choose to show it as a mixed number.
This is a great place for students to investigate how the numerator and the denominator of a fraction actually work and what happens if you increase/decrease one or the other.
Teachers can use this to illustrate fractions and mixed numbers on a number line.
Lastly, in the "Lab" section you can play with different size pieces (either a pie model or a rectangular model). You can put, say, ⅙ and ⅓ into the same circle and see what you get. Or, you might put two fifths into the circle, then a fourth, then a third, and notice it doesn't quite make one full "pie" — there is a little empty slice left.
Teachers can use this section to illustrate equivalent fractions.
These activities best suit third and fourth grades.
Credit: This activity is created by PhET
Screenshots from the game and activities:
