Miss Riemer’s Third Grade Class
Mathematics Newsletter
Using iPad Apps and Web-Based Programs to Discover Rational Numbers
Why Use Technology In
Math Class?
Using technology such as iPad
apps and web-based programs
allows students to practice their
mathematical skills and develop
their understanding of
mathematical concepts in an
engaging 21st Century format.
Why use Build a
Fraction?
The PHET Build a Fraction
Simulation is an effective
teaching tool because it allows
students to connect pictorial
and symbolic representations
of fractions to develop their
understanding of fractional
notation and part-whole
relationships. It accomplishes
this by linking numeric
representations of fractions with
visual diagrams of parts and
wholes.
Why use Splash Math?
Splash Math allows students to
connect pictorial and symbolic
representations of fractions and
decimals. Students can also use
the app to model and compare
fractions. Splash Math provides
practice opportunities in
engaging game-like formats
that attract and sustain
attention.
Miss Riemer’s Third Grade Class
September 2018
Teacher’s Note
Dear Parents,
As we begin our mathematics unit on rational numbers, I am
excited to announce that our class will be using two new
technology programs! Technology is an integral part of everyday
life, and so my goals for using these programs are to enhance
students’ learning and to develop their abilities to effectively use
21st Century technology tools. The first program we will be using is
a web-based simulation called “Build a Fraction” from the
University of Colorado’s PHET Interactive Simulations project. The
second is an iPad app called Splash Math, which allows students to
practice working with fractions in a series of mini-games. These
programs will provide our class with opportunities to practice
modeling, comparing, interpreting, and naming fractions. These
are foundational skills for building our class’ understanding of
rational numbers, and these programs provide important and
engaging opportunities for practice. I hope that you will also
consider using these programs at home to further support your
child’s learning! The PHET Simulation can be accessed online, and
Splash Math is available as an iPad app. Creating a connection
between learning at school and learning at home bolsters
students’ skills and understanding. I have included more detailed
information about each program in this newsletter. If you have any
further questions, please do not hesitate to email me!
- Miss Riemer, email: riemere@bc.edu
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Miss Riemer’s Third Grade Class September 2018

PHET Simulation: Build a Fraction

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/legacy/
build-a-fraction

This simulation is a web-based program that

allows students to represent fractions and mixed
numbers with visual models. Using the tabs across
the top of the simulation, students can choose one
of several tools to practice representing and
naming fractions.
The first two tabs, titled “Build a
Fraction” and “Mixed Fractions,”
lead students to a series of
leveled problems which require
them to build visual
representations of fractions. The
simulation presents three
fractions along the right side of
the screen, as seen on the right:
In the middle of screen, the simulation presents a
rectangle or circle which represent the rational
whole. The whole can be divided into parts using
a green arrow button, as pictured below:
Once students have completed their model, they
can submit their response by clicking and
dragging the model to the blue box next to the
fraction it represents. The simulation will not
accept an incorrect model; therefore, students
must persist and use problem-solving skills to
identify and correct their errors. When the
students have modeled all three fractions
correctly, the simulation will allow them to
progress to the next level.
The “Fraction Lab” tab along the top of the
simulation allows students to create and model
their own fractions. Students can divide wholes
into units using the green arrows, then click and
drag copies of colored parts onto their models.
Students can also build multiple models to
compare quantities.

Students can practice dividing the whole into the

appropriate number of parts based on the
denominator of the fraction. They can then click
and drag colored parts to represent the quantity
of parts that is indicated by the numerator. This
reinforces the concept that the numerator
represents multiple copies of the unit fraction, as
determined by the denominator. For example:
From a pedagogical perspective, modeling
fractions with the PHET Simulation is beneficial
because it allows students to create pictorial
representations of fractions, explore part-whole
relationships, compare fractional quantities, and
develop an understanding of fractions as multiple
copies of a given unit fraction.


Miss Riemer’s Third Grade Class 2

Miss Riemer’s Third Grade Class September 2018

Splash Math

Splash Math is an i-Pad app

that allows students in
grades K-5 to practice and
model mathematical skills
and concepts. It is also
available online at
www.splashmath.com.

For the purposes of our unit, we will focus on the

Fractions games in the Third Grade section of
Splash Math.
Level 4: Equivalent Fractions without Models
presents students with symbolic representations
of fractions and asks them to identify equivalent
fractions. This allows students to practice working
with fractions as only symbolic representations,
thereby challenging students to understand
fractions using more advanced representations.

Level 5: Compare Fractions with the Same

The Fractions section allows students to practice
working with fractions on six different levels:
Level 1: Identify Fractions presents students with a
pictorial representation of a fraction and asks
them to identify the correct fraction, in fractional
notation, that represents the model. This level is
beneficial because connects pictorial and
symbolic representations of fractions.
Level 2: Model Fractions presents students with a
symbolic representation of a fraction and asks the
to model that fraction using a pictorial
representation. In addition to connecting pictorial
and symbolic representations, this level builds
children’s understanding of fractional notation as
an expression of multiple copies of a unit fraction.
Level 3: Equivalent Fractions Using Models asks
children to identify the number of copies of a unit
fraction that will create an equivalent fraction. The
set-up of this level, as pictured below, allows
children to use pictorial representations of
fractions to determine equivalent quantities.
Denominators presents students with two visual
models of fractions with the same denominator
and asks them to choose the relational symbol (<,
=, or >) that accurately describes the relationship
between the two fractions.
Level 6: Compare Fractions with the Same
Numerators presents children with two pictorial
representations of fractions with the same
numerator and asks them to choose the relational
symbol (<, =, or >) that correctly describes the
relationship between the two fractions.
From a pedagogical perspective, K-5 Splash Math
is a beneficial app because it links pictorial and
symbolic representations of fractions and uses
visual models to demonstrate the relationship
between fractions. The app does not provide
explanations for incorrect answers or allow
students opportunities to try the problem again,
so we will take time in class to discuss Splash Math
problems that were particularly challenging or
that require further explanation. However, Splash
Math’s engaging visuals and game-like design will
ensure that your child will not only practice
working with fractions but have fun, too!

Miss Riemer’s Third Grade Class 3