Wind Energy and Subtracting Fractions Lesson
Lesson Plan
45 minutesGrades5Mathematics
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Written by Pamela Fellner, Sustainable Jersey for Schools
About this lesson
This lesson explores how subtracting fractions can help residents understand how to make mathematical adjustments for new draws on clean energy sources.
Inquire: Students are introduced to a scenario where the energy needs of the apartment building are changing due to established families moving out and new families moving in.
Investigate: Students investigate subtracting fractions with unlike denominators and engage in guided practice with whole-group instruction.
Inspire: Students independently solve fraction subtraction word problems, and are introduced to the United Nations' commitment to clean energy goals.
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Everything you need to teach it
How to edit these materials (video)Teaching tips
Suggestions
- This lesson can be taught during an adding and subtracting simple fractions unit.
- This lesson is designed to work in conjunction with any already existing textbook series. However, links to video instructions can be used to facilitate learning. One video shows a traditional method for subtracting fractions and the other is a shortcut method which might be a new or more sophisticated approach.
- The first page of the Student Document set can serve as guided practice while the last two can serve as a formative assessment.
- Homework or extension questions from a traditional text can follow this lesson.
- This lesson highlights the awareness of wind turbines as a source of clean energy.
- This lesson emphasizes subtraction clue words.
- This lesson initiates class discussion regarding families moving into and out of communities. It might be helpful to have an awareness of students who are new to the school district prior to discussion.
- The portion of the lesson regarding the United Nations can serve as an extension for early finishers by posting the link on a class web page or by completing it as a whole class enrichment.
- The word problems feature example scenarios. The equations are not meant to show fully accurate data but are rather designed to help students practice a skill within the context of climate change and wind energy. To explore accurate scientific data, visit Our World in Data.
Prerequisites
- This lesson is 3 of 3 lessons in our 5th grade Wind Energy and Fractions: Math Unit.
- More information about pacing can be found in the unit plan.
- Each lesson in the unit can stand alone.
- This lesson addresses Social Emotional Learning. These situations are presented in the Teacher Slideshow and offer an opportunity for students to discuss feelings associated with group dynamics.
- Students should have an understanding of how to create equivalent fractions.
- This lesson includes a video and link to a web page that explains the role of the United Nations and their commitment to phasing out fossil fuels in favor of clean energy technologies. Not all students may be familiar with this entity. Some students may not realize that a portion of the global population does not have access to electricity.
Differentiation
- Differentiated worksheets are included in the Student Document. These worksheets have the fractions in bold type and the operation keywords underlined. Teacher can also remove language that is not crucial to understanding the word problem.
- The first video explains the traditional algorithm for adding fractions with unlike denominators and the second explains a shorter, but more advanced method.
- Early finishers can read more examples on the UN Convention on the Rights of a Child.
- Teachers can adapt the town names to better reflect their community and students.
From the scientist review
Students can learn about equivalent fractions and come up with ideas for how to utilize them to calculate the total shared energy derived from wind power for household and community consumption. They will also learn how to use mathematical operations to model and track changes in renewable energy production and consumption as the population of households and communities changes. After reviewing the lesson thoroughly, it passed our credibility assessments in science.
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About the teacher writers
Pamela Fellner
Pamela has been teaching 5th and 6th grade Science and Math for twelve years in Warren County, NJ. She enjoys spending quality time with her family, whether exploring nature trails or engaging in DIY science experiments at home, and is passionate about rehabilitating orphaned squirrel babies.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools
Sustainable Jersey is a network and movement of municipalities, schools and school districts working collectively to bring about a sustainable New Jersey. Acting with state agencies, non-profit organizations, foundations, academia and industry, Sustainable Jersey researches best practices for what communities could and should do to contribute to a sustainable future.
