Overview
Fraction squares 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, multiplication, division).
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MakerSpace Files
All files are included in the Thingiverse link below. A complete set of labeled fraction squares uses 223.22 grams of filament at an estimated cost of $4.45. With a 0.6mm nozzle, total print time is estimated at 8 hours and 57 minutes.
Click here to download the set of files in Thingiverse for labeled fraction squares.
| Color | grams of PLA per print | Cost ($18 / Kg) per print | Time | |
| 1 (whole) | White | 24.91 | $0.45 | 46 min |
| 1/2 | Purple | 25.01 | $0.45 | 47 min |
| 1/3 | Dark Green | 24.94 | $0.45 | 49 min |
| 1/4 | Dark Blue | 24.90 | $0.45 | 51 min |
| 1/5 | Red | 24.83 | $0.45 | 52 min |
| 1/6 | Black | 24.75 | $0.45 | 54 min |
| 1/8 | Light Blue | 24.57 | $0.44 | 57 min |
| 1/9 | Light Green | 24.59 | $0.44 | 57 min |
| 1/10 | Pink | 24.72 | $0.44 | 1 hr 0 min |
| 1/12 | Gray | 24.66 | $0.44 | 1 hr 4 min |
Note: If you have not read the tutorial post on MakerSpace Manipulatives, please do so.
Examples of Use
Comparing Fractions
Fraction squares 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…
