Fraction Portrait Slides
Fraction Art
Portraits
Where Math Meets Masterpiece
Our Mission
Today, we will become Artist-Mathematicians!
- Explore fractions as parts of a whole grid.
- Use halves (\(1/2\)) and fourths (\(1/4\)).
- Discover equivalent fractions in our designs.
Fraction Quick Review
One Half (\(1/2\))
1 part shaded out of 2 total equal parts.
One Fourth (\(1/4\))
1 part shaded out of 4 total equal parts.
Fraction Twins!
Different names, same amount of space.
\(1/2\)
\(2/4\)
\(8/16\)
The Portrait Challenge
1
Design a portrait on a 16-square grid (4x4).
2
Use exactly 3 colors for the whole face/background.
3
Calculate the fraction of the grid for each color.
Example Grid
Step 1: Brainstorm
Think about who you are creating:
- A colorful alien?
- A self-portrait?
- A superhero mascot?
Pick your palette of 3 colors!
Step 2: Plan the Math
Color A
Maybe for skin or background...
\(1/2\)
That's 8 out of 16 squares!
Color B
Maybe for hair or clothes...
\(1/4\)
That's 4 out of 16 squares!
Color C
Maybe for features or details...
\(1/4\)
That's 4 out of 16 squares!
\(8/16 + 4/16 + 4/16 = 16/16\) (The Whole!)
Start Creating!
1. Draw your plan on the small grid.
2. Double-check your fractions.
3. Create your large final portrait!
Portrait Planner Worksheet
Portrait Planner
Fraction Art Masterpiece
NAME:
DATE:
1
Brainstorm Your Subject
Who are you drawing? An alien, a robot, a self-portrait, or a mascot?
2
The Palette & The Math
Choose 3 colors. Assign a fraction to each. (Total must equal 16/16).
Color 1
Fraction
Squares / 16
Color 2
Fraction
Squares / 16
Color 3
Fraction
Squares / 16
3
Sketch Your Plan
Color each square in the grid to match your math plan!
Equivalent Fraction Check:
If you used 8 squares for one color, that is \(1/2\) of your grid. Can you name another fraction for \(1/2\)?
4
Artist Reflection
Which color did you use the most? Why?
Look at your classmate's grid. Did they use \(1/4\) of a color differently than you?
Fraction Portrait Teacher Guide
Teacher Guide
Fraction Art Portraits
Lesson 1: Basics
Instructional Goals
Math Objectives
- Identify parts of a whole in a grid.
- Represent fractions (\(1/2, 1/4\)) visually.
- Discover equivalent fractions (\(8/16 = 1/2\)).
Art Objectives
- Apply color palette constraints.
- Design with geometric constraints.
- Practice deliberate composition.
Delivery Steps
1
Hook & Slides (15 min)
Present the Fraction Portrait Slides. Discuss how many squares total are in a 4x4 grid. Most students will count, but prompt them to see 4 rows of 4 (\(4 \times 4 = 16\)). This sets the denominator for all calculations.
2
Guided Math (10 min)
Model filling out the Portrait Planner Worksheet. Show how 8 squares out of 16 is "half" by folding the grid area in your mind. Ask: "If I want two colors to be equal, how many squares for each?" (8 and 8, or 4 and 4 if there are other colors).
3
Creative Production (30 min)
Students sketch their 16-square portrait. Circulation Tip: Look for students who "over-color" without counting. Remind them that if they want \(1/4\), they must count exactly 4 squares for that color.
Mastery & Support
For Struggling Learners
Provide pre-colored 16-square grids with 8 squares of one color already filled. Have them calculate only the remaining two colors (\(1/4\) and \(1/4\)).
For Advanced Learners
Challenge students to use 4 colors instead of 3, using \(1/8\) of a color (2 squares). Ask them to find equivalent fractions for \(2/16\).
Sample Answer Logic
| Color | Squares | Fraction Name | Equivalent |
|---|
| Example A | 8 | \(8/16\) | \(1/2\) |
| Example B | 4 | \(4/16\) | \(1/4\) |
| Example C | 4 | \(4/16\) | \(2/8\) |
