User Guide

5
Students can help each other trace the fold lines with a pencil, and then count their
l
ines of symmetry. Show the solutions on the whiteboard.
Fraction Parts
Display a yellow hexagon on the board and cover it with two red trapezoids. Say, “I
have covered the yellow hexagon with two of the same parts. If I take one of these
parts away, how much of the hexagon is still covered?” (Answer:
1
⁄2.) Also, ask: “If the
hexagon is a whole, how much is a trapezoid?” (Answer:
1
⁄2.)
Ask students to find three equal parts that cover the hexagon (blue rhombus) and
then remove one. Ask, “What fraction of the yellow hexagon is covered?” (Answer:
2
⁄3.)
Ask students to continue using Giant Magnetic Pattern Blocks to show these fractions:
1
⁄2 of the blue rhombus;
1
⁄3 of the red trapezoid;
1
⁄3 of the yellow hexagon; and
1
⁄6 of the
yellow hexagon. Be sure to let students cover various whole shapes to show fraction
parts. For instance, using a triangle, students will see that the triangle may be worth
1
⁄2,
1
⁄3 or
1
⁄6 depending on which shape is the whole.
Spatial Challenge
Standard-size Pattern Blocks work well with these Giant Magnetic
Pattern Blocks in teaching students about area. In fact, Giant
Magnetic Pattern Blocks are nine times greater in total area
than standard-size Pattern Blocks. This means that nine
Pattern Blocks should cover one Giant Magnetic Pattern
Block of the same shape. Try it with a square, triangle, or
rhombus.
Give several small groups of students a different Giant Magnetic Pattern Block and
some regular-size Pattern Blocks. Instruct students to completely fill the larger shape
with the smaller shapes while staying within the outlines of the larger shape. As
students finish, check their work. Encourage them to notice which kinds of smaller
shapes fit inside the larger shapes.