One example of fraction pieces that many students are familiar with is pizza. Pizza is traditionally served in slices, so it can be used to compare the sizes of fractions. The slices can also be grouped together to show how to add fractions, and to demonstrate equivalent fractions. Once the activity has been finished, the students can eat the pizza.
Tortillas are another food that can be used to show fractional parts of a circle. The advantages of tortillas over pizza are that they are less expensive and they fold. Each student can be given two tortillas, which they can fold into halves, fourths and eighths. Like the pizzas, the tortillas can be used to add and compare fractions. If this activity is carried out at lunchtime, diced tomatoes, cheese and ground beef can be provided after the lesson is over.
Graham crackers have an advantage as a snack because they are easily split into halves and fourths. The teacher can divide the class into groups of four, and give each group an odd number of graham crackers. The students can then split up the graham crackers and cracker pieces so that each student has an equal number of crackers. If desired, the students can be offered peanut butter or cream cheese to spread on the graham crackers once the activity is finished.
Cooking can be used to teach fractions both during and after the activity has taken place. Baking almost always involves proportions. The students can compare and add fractions of cups of flour and other ingredients while putting together the recipe. Once the final product has finished baking, whether it’s cookies, bread, or something else, it can be split into fractions just like pizza or graham crackers.