Overview
Fraction circles provide an area-based model for children to learn about fractions. They can be used for fraction comparisons, finding equivalent fractions, and various forms of fraction arithmetic (addition, subtraction).
MakerSpace Files
There are two sets of files.
- STL files in Thingiverse for 3D printing plastic fraction circles.
- SVG files in Design Space for cutting foam (or paper) versions of the fraction circles.
Cricut version of the files can be downloaded here (for 1, 1/2, 1/4, & 1/8) and here (for 1, 1/3, & 1/6).
3D printer version of the files can be downloaded here.
Click here to download the set of files in Thingiverse for labeled fraction circles.
| Color | grams of PLA per print | Cost ($18 / Kg) per print | Time | |
| 1 (whole) | White | 19.85 | $0.36 | 36 min |
| 1/2 | Purple | 19.95 | $0.36 | 37 min |
| 1/3 | Dark Green | 20.06 | $0.36 | 38 min |
| 1/4 | Dark Blue | 20.07 | $0.36 | 39 min |
| 1/5 | Red | 20.26 | $0.36 | 40 min |
| 1/6 | Black | 20.42 | $0.37 | 42 min |
| 1/8 | Light Blue | 20.69 | $0.37 | 44 min |
| 1/9 | Light Green | 20.37 | $0.37 | 43 min |
| 1/10 | Pink | 20.55 | $0.37 | 44 min |
| 1/12 | Gray | 20.78 | $0.37 | 46 min |
With a 0.6mm nozzle, the total printing time for a complete set is approximately 6 hours 49 min.
Note: If you have not read the tutorial post on MakerSpace Manipulatives, please do so.
Examples of Use
Comparing Fractions
Fraction circles provide a simple means of comparing fractions. In the example below, 3/4 and 4/5 are being compared. Such tasks give students an internal sense of the size of fractional parts and how they compare to each other. In this case, a child can know that 4/5 is larger because 1/5 (the part missing for fifths) is smaller than 1/4 (the part missing for fourths).
More to come…
