Tackling Rational Numbers

During the spring semester, Team Stefibeth came together on various Saturdays to help our 7th graders grow in their mathematical knowledge.  Our first session focused on operations with rational numbers.

Learners were given the challenge of helping to bake cookies for our upcoming Super Bowl party.  Using the recipe, learners used their knowledge of rational numbers and proportionality to determine the amount of each ingredient we would need to feed 24 people, 30 people and then 6 people.  We spent our first hour calculating the amounts of each ingredient.  Some used proportions, while others used ratio tables.  We loved their mathematical thinking and justification as they proved each of their answers.  Upon completing the calculations, we headed to the kitchen and began to create our cookies!
This is where the true test of their knowledge of rational number skills came into play.  Based on the number of people they were chose to make cookies for, is the recipe they used.  Learners actively began measuring ingredients and stirring them together, rereading their new recipes and hoping for the best.  Once the dough was mixed together and the cookies were baked, the tasting began!  It's here where learners knew if they had done the math correctly!  



The discussions that came after their experience in the kitchens were priceless, but they were able to find just where they went wrong in their calculations!



It's hard to believe we did this activity for 4 consecutive Saturdays. Word spread fast and we had 7th graders begging to come for Saturday tutoring...just another example of the impact of working together and doing what's best for our learners yields ultimate success!