1. The situation
We have a cupcake recipe for only 1 person, but more people are coming to a party. And…the cupcake recipe has fractions. Most people know how to add and multiply whole numbers like 3 x 3. But 1/3 + 1/3???
Your mission, if you chose to accept it: Modify the recipe below to be enough for 4 people, and show that you have the right answers using fraction strips. The party hosts need to know how much stuff to buy. And they don’t want yucky cupcakes!
2. The Training
This mission is important, so you need to train. I have made many cupcakes, and will be your guide. Here’s what you will do:
First, get to know your team. Ask each other about their favorite food, and if they have ever baked before. Also, ask each person what he or she knows about fractions. All this information will be useful later.
Second, learn how to use fractions strips (click the link below). These will come in handy if you have to prove that you’re right.
Third, click the button below for a handy-dandy worksheet to do a training run with your guide (that’s me). We will change the recipe to be for 2 people and use fraction strips. We will practice changing the recipe and proving we’re right.
3. The mission
Use the handy-dandy worksheet and the fraction strips to modify the recipe. Sometimes the number of people at the party changes. So be prepared to change the recipe amounts.
Work together in your teams. Make sure all team members agree with your answers.
Return to base when you have completed the mission for debriefing. Your guide will come along in case you have any questions.
4. The Debrief
Now for the hard part. The boss will want to make sure your recipe is correct. Use the fraction strips or any other tools you have to convince him that your cupcakes will not be yucky. Good luck!
