KBruch
Subject Area: Mathematics
Recommended Grade Levels: 1-8
Figure 10 : KBruch
KBruch is a small program to practice calculating with fractions and percentages. Five different exercises are offered as well as a learning mode:
· Arithmetic: in this exercise you have to solve a given fraction task – you have to enter the numerator and the denominator. This is the main exercise.
· Comparison: in this exercise you have to compare the size of 2 given fractions, using the symbols >, < or =
· Conversion: in this exercise you have to convert a given number into a fraction
· Factorization: in this exercise you have to factorize a given number into its prime factors
· Percentage: in this exercise you have to calculate percentages
Ontario Elementary Secondary Curriculum Expectations for Mathematics (2005)
Grade 1: read, represent, compare, and order whole numbers to 50, and use concrete materials to investigate fractions and money amounts;
Grade 2: investigating fractions of a whole; use concrete materials to represent fractions and money amounts to 100¢
Grade 3: investigating fractions of a set
Grade 4: representing and comparing fractions using fractional notation; adding and subtracting three-digit numbers in a variety of ways; multiplying and dividing two-digit whole numbers by one-digit whole numbers; relating halves, fifths, and tenths to decimals
Grade 5: relating simple fractions to decimals
Grade 6: decimal numbers to thousandths, proper and improper fractions, and mixed numbers;
Grade 7: representing and ordering decimals (to hundredths), fractions, and integers; representing squares and square roots; dividing whole numbers by simple fractions and decimals; adding and subtracting simple fractions and integers; multiplying and dividing decimal numbers to thousandths by one-digit whole numbers; applying order of operations in expressions with brackets; relating fractions, decimals, and percents; solving problems involving whole-number percents and unit rates
Grade 8: solve problems involving whole numbers, decimal numbers, fractions, and integers, using a variety of computational strategies
Full curriculum document at: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/math18curr.pdf
How can Kbruch help?
Kbruch allows students to practice and get increasingly comfortable with calculating fractions, according to their respective grade level. The program has a lesson mode, where it explains the concept of a fraction, guiding the student along calculations. It is also interactive, where it checks the answer and provides feedback to the student. KBruch counts how many tasks were solved at all and how many tasks were solved correctly. The statistics are shown to the student and the teacher, but this part of the main window can be hidden. Not only does Kbruch allow extra practice, but teachers can now also track progress in this particular area of the mathematics curriculum. With Kbruch, there is less homework to take home!