Fraction-Fold Fun: Origami Math Magic

3rd Grade Project 4 weeks

Fraction-Fold Fun: Origami Math Magic

Deanna S

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.3

Self Directed Learning

Academic Mindset

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Content Expertise

+ 1 more

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse third-grade students in an engaging exploration of fractions through the art of origami, enabling them to grasp mathematical concepts in a hands-on, creative way. By folding paper into intricate designs, students will experience tangible representations of fractions, fostering a deeper understanding of equivalence and comparison. The project also encourages self-directed learning, critical thinking, and effective communication by involving students in collaborative activities and community partnerships, ultimately connecting their classroom experiences to real-world applications.

Learning goals

Students will engage with origami to understand and calculate fractions, focusing on equivalence and comparison as outlined in Common Core standards. By creating origami products, students will gain experience in hands-on application of fractions through art, building content expertise. The project will foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students reflect on their learning progress, tackling challenges in the creative process. Collaborative activities will improve effective communication, while different reflection opportunities promote self-directed learning and academic mindset development.

Standards

[Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.3 - Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.

Competencies

Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.

Products

Students will collaboratively create an origami mural as a visual representation of various fraction concepts, integrating halves, quarters, and eighths, each piece accompanied by a concise explanation. Teams will work together on large-scale geometric origami models, showcasing fraction applications, which will serve as exhibits in the final exhibition. Additionally, students will design interactive origami fraction puzzles to challenge and engage exhibition visitors in hands-on problem-solving, providing opportunities to explore fraction principles through play. Origami kits created by students, including diagrams and fraction instructions, will be shared with peers and community members to enrich collective learning.

Launch

Kick off the project with a hands-on 'Origami Exploration Day,' where students dive into paper folding to discover fractions in action. Begin with teacher-led demonstrations highlighting various origami techniques that emphasize fractional divisions. Students will then collaborate to create a mural showcasing their designs, immediately applying their new understanding of fractions through creativity and teamwork.

Exhibition

Students will present their origami creations at the 'Fraction Fold Fest,' where they will showcase murals and large geometric models that demonstrate fractions. Family and community members are invited to engage with interactive origami-making stations and participate in fraction problem-solving activities. The exhibition will also feature a 'Geometry Gallery Opening' at a local library, where students explain the fractional concepts utilized in their models. Additionally, students will lead 'Math Movements Workshops,' sharing folding techniques and fractional insights with visitors to promote hands-on learning.

Rubric

Competency Progression Rubric Competency-first rubric

Category	Learning Goal	Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4
Deeper Learning Competencies	Self Directed Learning	I can use my observations, teacher feedback, and peer suggestions to guide how I work on origami projects, ensuring I accurately fold paper to show fractions like halves, quarters, and eighths I reflect on my origami designs, checking if they correctly represent fraction equivalence and comparison, and adjust my work as needed to improve my understanding and skills.	I can use teacher feedback and my own reflections to choose better folding techniques in origami, explaining how my designs show fractions like halves and quarters, but I sometimes need help figuring out the best way to show and compare these ideas in my art.	I can use feedback from my teacher and classmates to improve my origami designs, making sure that my folded shapes help me understand how fractions like halves, quarters, and eighths work I keep track of my learning by explaining how these fractions compare in size and think about ways to make my origami projects even better.	I can confidently guide my own learning by using feedback and reflection to improve my origami designs I can clearly explain how the fractions used in my designs show equivalence, and I can compare different fraction sizes, helping others understand them during our workshop.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Academic Mindset	I am eager to understand what fractions mean as I fold paper into different shapes and confidently explain how the parts of my origami show fractions like halves, quarters, and eighths.	I am exploring different ways to fold paper into shapes that help me see and understand fractions, like halves and quarters, and I use these experiences to improve my confidence in explaining fractions to others.	I can confidently fold origami to create designs that show how fractions like halves, quarters, and eighths fit together I can explain my designs using examples and compare different fractions by explaining why some are bigger or smaller I enjoy working with others and feel proud sharing what I've learned with my class and community.	I can confidently create and explain my origami designs, demonstrating how different folds show equivalent fractions and comparing their sizes I feel a sense of belonging and pride when sharing my work and ideas during the exhibition, reflecting on how my skills have grown through practice and effort.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Critical Thinking & Problem Solving	I can explore different ways to fold my origami to show fractions like halves, quarters, and eighths, and explain how these fractions are different or the same in size by comparing them through my designs I use my folding to solve problems, like what happens when I divide my paper again, and I share what I learn with my classmates.	I can work with my team to create a mural using origami that shows different fractions, and I can explain how I used those fractions in my design.	I explore origami designs and explain how the fractions we used show equivalence and size comparison as we tackle questions during our project I can share my strategies and solutions with others by explaining my reasoning and showing my origami creations.	I can creatively solve complex problems by using origami to show how different fractions are equal or different sizes I can explain my origami designs clearly and help others understand how they represent fractions like halves, quarters, and eighths.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Content Expertise	I can explore and fold origami to show how fractions, like halves and quarters, work I use ideas from my folds to compare fractions and explain why they are the same or different I make sure my work shows what I understand about fractions and helps others learn, too.	I can explain how halves and quarters are the same in some cases, and I can sort and compare fractions like halves and quarters using my origami project to show what I understand about their size.	I can confidently create origami models that visually represent fractions like halves, quarters, and eighths, and explain how these fractions are equivalent or different by reasoning about their size I can use what I've learned to produce origami kits and interactive puzzles, accurately describing the fraction concepts involved to help peers and community members understand and engage with the math principles.	I can accurately represent and explain fractions through my origami designs, using halves, quarters, and eighths, and can confidently compare their sizes I show my understanding by creating unique origami pieces that creatively display these fractional concepts, and I can clearly teach and share my work with others, helping them see how fractions work in an engaging and artistic way.
Deeper Learning Competencies	Effective Communication	I can clearly explain how I used fractions in my origami design, comparing different sizes and showing the equivalence of halves, quarters, and eighths I can present my ideas confidently during our 'Fraction Fold Fest' and help visitors understand how fractions work in my origami models.	I can explain how different folds in my origami design show the same amount of paper using fractions like halves and quarters I can share my ideas with my team and listen to their thoughts to make our project better.	I can confidently communicate my understanding of fractions by explaining how my origami design uses halves, quarters, and eighths, and I can compare and reason about their size when talking with my peers and visitors at the exhibition.	I can confidently present and explain my origami design at the Fraction Fold Fest, clearly describing how each fold represents a specific fraction like halves, quarters, or eighths I listen carefully to questions from visitors and respond thoughtfully, using my understanding of fractions to communicate my ideas effectively.

Learning Journey

Empathize

CCSS.Math.Content.3.NF.A.3

Self Directed Learning

Effective Communication

Students will explore various origami designs to gain an understanding of fractions through hands-on paper folding activities, listening to guest insights, and discussing challenges with peers to empathize with the broader use of fractions in real-world contexts.

Days 1 - 4

Milestone Activities

Introduction to Origami Fractions

Launch 45m

Kick off with a 'Fraction Fold Exploration' where students watch and participate in folding origami designs while identifying fractions in each step. This introduction sets the stage for exploring fractional equivalence through origami.

Peer Feedback Exchange

Deliverable 30m

Pairs of students present their origami designs to each other, explain the fractions represented, and provide constructive feedback to enhance comprehension and communication skills.

Self-Reflection Journal

Deliverable 30m

Students individually reflect on their origami folding experiences, noting challenges faced, strategies used, and their growing understanding of fractions, preparing them for upcoming assessments.

Peer Presentation and Feedback

Assessment

In pairs, students will present their origami designs to each other, explaining the fractions represented and providing feedback to their partner. This will assess their effective communication and understanding of fractions.

Origami Fraction Explanation

Assessment

Students will individually create a piece of origami and write a brief explanation of how the folds represent specific fractions, demonstrating their understanding of fractional equivalence and comparison.

Origami Fraction Challenge

Assessment

Students in small groups will create an origami design challenge that involves solving fraction problems and present it to the class to evaluate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Define

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Content Expertise

Students will define the fractional problem by analyzing their experiences and insights gathered during origami folding, articulate mathematical connections through reflection journals, and create diagrams that visually represent origami folds as fractional parts to build a strong foundation for informed ideation next.

Days 5 - 8

Milestone Activities

Origami Expressions Kick-Off

Launch 30m

Start with a dynamic origami process demonstration, asking students to predict the fractions the folds will create. This will build excitement and curiosity around the relationships between origami and fractions.

Peer Feedback Roundtable

Deliverable 45m

Students present their diagrams to small groups for feedback on clarity and accuracy of fractional representation. This checkpoint enhances their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Reflection Journal Entry

Assessment

Students will write a journal entry reflecting on their journey of understanding fractions through origami. They will articulate the mathematical connections made during their folding experiences and how they solved any challenges encountered.

Origami Fraction Diagram Presentation

Assessment

Students will create and present a diagram that reflects the fractional parts of their origami folds. They will explain how these folds demonstrate equivalent fractions and compare different fraction sizes.

Ideate

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

Effective Communication

Students will brainstorm and explore diverse origami models that depict fractional concepts, gathering and organizing ideas to expand their understanding, leading into developing prototype designs in the next phase.

Days 9 - 12

Milestone Activities

Origami Exploration and Fraction Brainstorming

Launch 60m

Students explore various origami models focusing on folds that represent halves, quarters, and eighths. They will brainstorm ideas for their own models, discussing how they can visually demonstrate equivalence and comparison of fractions.

Origami Fraction Design Presentation

Assessment

Students will present their origami design models, explaining the fractional concepts illustrated in each fold, such as halves, quarters, and eighths, and compare their sizes to demonstrate understanding of equivalence.

Peer Review Feedback Session

Deliverable 45m

Pairs exchange origami designs and provide feedback on each other's models with a focus on clarity and presentation of fractional concepts.

Interactive Origami Fraction Puzzle

Assessment

Students will design and demonstrate an interactive origami fraction puzzle that challenges their peers to apply their understanding of comparing and explaining equivalent fractions through hands-on problem-solving.

Prototype

Self Directed Learning

Content Expertise

Students will create paper prototypes of origami-based fraction puzzles, collaborating in groups to design solutions and iteratively refining their ideas using peer feedback, before preparing them for testing in the next phase of their learning journey.

Days 13 - 16

Milestone Activities

Origami Fraction Puzzle Brainstorm

Launch 45m

Students brainstorm and sketch design ideas for their origami fraction puzzles, focusing on how to represent different fractional concepts with paper folds.

Origami Puzzle Peer Feedback

Deliverable 45m

Students present their origami fraction puzzles to their peers and give constructive feedback, focusing on the representation of fraction concepts.

Design Reflection Journal Entry

Deliverable 30m

Students write a journal entry reflecting on their design process, the feedback received, and how they revised their origami puzzles.

Fraction Puzzle Peer Review

Assessment

In small groups, students will evaluate each other's origami fraction puzzles, providing constructive feedback based on fraction equivalence and comparison, and discussing how their designs meet the standards.

Reflective Origami Journal Submission

Assessment

Students will submit a journal reflecting on the process of designing and refining their origami fraction puzzles, detailing their learning journey, challenges, solutions, and understanding of fractions.

Origami Design Presentation

Assessment

Students will individually present their paper prototypes of origami-based fraction puzzles, explaining the fractional concepts demonstrated through their designs and how peer feedback helped refine their solutions.

Test

Academic Mindset

Effective Communication

Students will present their origami fraction models to peers and community partners, gather feedback and insights, use critiques to refine their work, and showcase revised models for evaluation, completing the journey from concept to exhibition within the allotted four-day period.

Days 17 - 20

Milestone Activities

Origami Presentation Launch

Launch 45m

Introduce the exhibition details and expectations, creating excitement about presenting their origami models and engaging with visitors.

Feedback and Reflection Peer Checkpoint

Deliverable 45m

Students exchange critiques on origami models, focusing on clarity and accuracy in presenting fractional concepts, and adjust presentations based on feedback.

Final Presentation Prep Checkpoint

Deliverable 45m

Students prepare final adjustments to their presentation and origami models by reviewing peer feedback and their personal reflection notes.

Origami Fraction Presentation Evaluation

Assessment

Students will present their refined origami fraction models at the exhibition, explaining the fractional concepts and comparing fraction sizes. They will answer questions from visitors, demonstrating their understanding and effective communication skills.

Feedback Reflection Portfolio

Assessment

Students will compile feedback received during the exhibition and reflect on how it guided improvements in their origami designs. They will submit a portfolio detailing their learning journey and the impact of feedback on their work.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Phase	Empathize Define
Activities	Fraction Folding Lab Activity (Deprecated) 60m Introduction to Origami Fractions Launch 45m	Origami Fraction Comparison Workshop Activity (Deprecated) 45m Peer Feedback Exchange Deliverable 30m	Self-Reflection Journal Deliverable 30m Origami Design Brainstorm Activity (Deprecated) 45m	Peer Presentation and Feedback Assessment Origami Fraction Explanation Assessment Origami Fraction Challenge Assessment	Origami Expressions Kick-Off Launch 30m Collaborative Origami Fraction Exploration Activity (Deprecated) 45m
Preparation

Week 2	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
Phase	Define Ideate
Activities	Fraction Diagram Creation Workshop Activity (Deprecated) 60m Peer Feedback Roundtable Deliverable 45m	Fraction Comparison Gallery Walk Activity (Deprecated) 60m Reflection Journal Entry Assessment Reflective Folding Journal Activity (Deprecated) 30m	Origami Fraction Diagram Presentation Assessment	Guided Origami Fraction Folding Activity (Deprecated) 45m Origami Exploration and Fraction Brainstorming Launch 60m	Fraction Equivalence Discussion and Comparison Exercise Activity (Deprecated) 45m
Preparation

Week 3	Day 11	Day 12	Day 13	Day 14	Day 15
Phase	Ideate Prototype
Activities	Interactive Origami Fraction Puzzle Workshop Activity (Deprecated) 60m Origami Fraction Design Presentation Assessment Peer Review Feedback Session Deliverable 45m	Interactive Origami Fraction Puzzle Assessment	Fraction Origami Folding Workshop Activity (Deprecated) 60m Origami Fraction Puzzle Brainstorm Launch 45m	Origami Puzzle Peer Feedback Deliverable 45m Design Reflection Journal Entry Deliverable 30m	Origami Puzzle Refinement Activity (Deprecated) 60m Fraction Puzzle Peer Review Assessment Reflective Origami Journal Submission Assessment
Preparation

Week 4	Day 16	Day 17	Day 18	Day 19	Day 20
Phase	Prototype Test
Activities	Origami Design Presentation Assessment	Origami Presentation Launch Launch 45m Origami Fraction Reflection Workshop Activity (Deprecated) 60m	Feedback and Reflection Peer Checkpoint Deliverable 45m Fraction Fold Presentation Rehearsal Activity (Deprecated) 60m	Final Presentation Prep Checkpoint Deliverable 45m Visitor Interaction Role-Play Activity (Deprecated) 45m	Origami Fraction Presentation Evaluation Assessment Feedback Reflection Portfolio Assessment
Preparation