Contextualization

Mathematics is a fundamental tool for understanding the world around us. Numbers, whether integers, fractions, or decimals, are present in our daily lives and assist us in various tasks, from paying a bill to measuring an object. Therefore, it is important to understand the conversion between fractions and decimal numbers.

A fraction is a way to express a number that is the ratio of two integers, the numerator and the denominator. Decimal numbers, on the other hand, are a way to represent a number on a scale that is based on powers of 10. Knowledge of these concepts is essential to develop the way we deal with quantities and measurements in everyday life, opening doors to understanding more complex concepts.

The conversion between fractions and decimal numbers is a central theme in elementary mathematics education. Mastering this skill paves the way for a deeper understanding of rational numbers, as well as being an essential step in understanding proportions, percentages, interest rates, data analysis, and many other areas of Mathematics.

Why is it important to learn to Convert Fractions and Decimal Numbers?

Converting fractions to decimals and vice versa is a very useful skill in various situations. In everyday life, we use conversion when shopping, measuring materials for construction, or preparing recipes in the kitchen. For example, imagine that you need to divide a pizza with your friends, or want to understand the percentage of a discount in a store, or need to convert measurements from a culinary recipe. All these examples require familiarity with fractional and decimal numbers. Therefore, learning to convert fractions into decimals and decimals into fractions is a skill that helps us solve everyday problems.

To deepen the studies and base this project, you can consult the following resources:

1. Mate e Veja: Fractions and Decimal Numbers
2. Nova Escola: How to convert fractions into decimals
3. Só Matemática: Fractions and Decimal Numbers
4. YouTube: Matemática Rio - Transforming Fraction into Decimal Number

Practical Activity - 'From Fractions to Decimals and from Decimals to Fractions: A Fun Journey!'

Project Objective

This project aims to learn how to convert fractions into decimal numbers and vice versa, through practical activities and in a fun way. It also encourages collaboration and teamwork.

Detailed Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 students. Each group will receive a set of cards with fractional numbers and another set with decimal numbers. These sets of cards need to be combined in a way that they correspond to each other, i.e., the fractional numbers with their respective decimal representations.

Necessary Materials

1. Set of cards with fractional numbers and decimal numbers.
2. Pencils and paper for notes.
3. Calculator, in case students want to check their conversions.

Detailed Step-by-Step for the Activity

1. Divide the students into groups of 3 to 5 members.
2. Distribute the set of cards to each group.
3. Explain that the groups must match the cards so that the fractional numbers correspond to their decimal equivalents.
4. Allow the groups to work for a period of 2 to 4 hours, depending on the number of cards and the complexity of the fractions and decimal numbers.
5. At the end of the stipulated period, each group must present their corresponding pairs of cards.
6. The teacher should verify the correctness of the matches and provide feedback to the groups.

Project Deliverables

At the end of this project, each group of students must deliver:

1. All corresponding pairs of cards.

2. A written report containing:

   • Introduction: Description of the practical activity carried out and the importance and application of the conversion between fractions and decimal numbers in the real world.

   • Development: Detailed explanation of the conversion process between fractional numbers and decimals and how the group worked to make the matches. The strategies used by the group, the challenges encountered, and how they were overcome should be presented. A discussion on the results obtained should also be made.

   • Conclusion: Review of the main points of the project, the learnings acquired, the skills developed, and the understanding gained about the conversion between fractions and decimal numbers.

   • Bibliography: List of all resources (books, web pages, videos, etc.) used to help understand the conversion between fractions and decimal numbers and to execute the project.

The conclusion of the report should reflect the work done during the practical activity. Students will have an opportunity to think deeply about what they have learned, what they understood, and what skills they have developed, as well as highlight any particularly interesting or challenging concepts.