Dear Modelers,

To really understand something, it helps to make a model of it. When you make a model of something, you find out what the key parts are and you investigate the relationships between them. Today and throughout the year, we’ll think about ways to model fractions. By studying and creating models of fractions, we’ll get a better sense of fractions and be much better math thinkers.

A lot of what we’re talking about with number sense is a gut feeling you get about numbers. I want you all to be able to feel some of the key attributes about the size and characteristics of numbers. Just by looking at two fractions, we want to be able to get a rough idea about which one is bigger. Then, we investigate through various means and prove our answer. But our math gut instincts have to be strong.

Sincerely,

Mr. Heimbuck