Contextualization

Theoretical Introduction

Mixed numbers are those that have a whole number part and a fraction at the same time. For example, when we say that a person is 2 and a half years old, we are referring to a mixed number: 2 whole parts (the complete years) and a fraction of another whole part (the half year). This format is quite common and used in several everyday situations, hence the importance of learning how to deal with it.

Despite seeming complex at first sight, the operations with mixed numbers follow the same logic of the operations with integers and fractions. This is because a mixed number is nothing more than the sum of an integer with a fraction. Therefore, when we add, subtract, multiply, or divide mixed numbers, we are, in fact, performing these operations with integers and fractions.

During the execution of this project, it will be important that students recall or become familiar with the concepts of integers and fractions, and also learn how to transform mixed numbers into improper fractions, an essential step for performing operations with mixed numbers.

Contextualization

Mixed numbers are present in several everyday situations and in various areas of knowledge. A very practical example is in cooking. Imagine that you are following a recipe that calls for 1 and 1/2 cups of wheat flour. This "1 and 1/2" is a mixed number, which combines a whole part (1 cup) with a fractional part (1/2 cup).

In addition, this concept is also widely applied in areas such as Engineering and Architecture. In the development of projects, for example, it is common for length, width, and height measurements to be expressed in mixed numbers to facilitate comprehension.

Practical Activity: "Mixing Numbers in the Kitchen"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to provide students with the opportunity to apply the concept of mixed numbers through a practical, playful, and interdisciplinary activity, involving mathematics and science.

The work will be carried out by groups of 3 to 5 students and should last two weeks, enough time to develop theoretically on the subject, plan and carry out the activities, in addition to producing a final report.

Detailed Project Description

A practical activity will consist of creating a culinary recipe that involves measurements in mixed numbers. Students should choose a recipe, make the necessary adaptations to include mixed numbers (if the original recipe does not contain them), prepare the dish, and finally write a report detailing the entire process.

Required Materials

• Books and/or online resources on mathematics and science (for the theoretical foundation)
• Ingredients for the recipe
• Kitchen utensils
• Camera or smartphone to document the process

Detailed Step-by-Step of the Activity

1. Theory: Students should study mixed numbers and operations with mixed numbers, using the resources indicated or others of their preference.

2. Choosing the Recipe: Next, the group must choose a recipe, remembering that the objective is to work with mixed numbers.

3. Recipe Adaptation: If the recipe does not include measurements in mixed numbers, students must adapt it to include this type of measurement.

4. Preparing the Dish: After making the adaptations, students should prepare the dish. It is important to document the entire process, either through photos or videos.

5. Report: Finally, students should write a report where they detail the entire process. The report should address:

   • Introduction: Contextualization and objective of the project;

   • Development: Detailed description of the strategy used, including the theoretical study, the choice, and adaptation of the recipe, and the preparation of the dish. Here, they must present and discuss the operations with mixed numbers performed during the preparation of the dish;

   • Conclusions: Reflection on the learning acquired and how this activity helped to understand the subject;

   • Bibliography: Sources of study and inspiration for the execution of the project.

6. Presentation: At the end, the groups should present their work to the class, in an online or face-to-face event, as conditions permit.

Project Deliverables

The final delivery of the project will consist of:

• A written report, detailing the entire process and reflections on the experience;
• The presentation of the work to the class.

During the execution of the project, students will have the opportunity to improve not only their technical skills (such as operations with mixed numbers, conversion of units of measurement, etc.) but also socio-emotional skills (such as teamwork, communication, time management, etc.) . In addition, they will understand the importance of what they study in school for practical everyday life situations.