MARCH 2021

MS. BURZLAFF'S BUZZ

MATH AND TECHNOLOGY NEWSLETTER

THIS WEEK IN 4TH GRADE

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dear Parents and Guardians,
WOMAN'S HISTORY MONTH
This week we are working with mixed numbers,
BOOK DRIVE
KEEP SENDING IN BOOKS WITH YOUR or fractions that are greater than 1. The goal is
FAVORITE HEROINES!
DUE MARCH 31 for students to add and subtract mixed numbers

that have the same denominator. This topic is

ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION
WEAR GREEN! part of an overarching unit on fractions and
MARCH 17
rational numbers. To facilitate the student's
learning, we will be utilizing technology both
STANDARD
COMMON CORE STANDARD (4.NF.3.C): ADD AND
inside the classroom and at home. Specifically,
SUBTRACT MIXED NUMBERS WITH LIKE
DENOMINATORS, E.G., BY REPLACING EACH
we will be working with the two programs,
MIXED NUMBER WITH AN EQUIVALENT
FRACTION, AND/OR BY USING PROPERTIES OF
Pearson Math Tools and BrainPOP. I am sharing
OPERATIONS AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION.
some instructions to help familiarize you with the
programs so that you can best support your
CONTACT INFO: student at home. Please email me if you have
EMAIL: BURZLAFF@BC.EDU
any questions!
PHONE: 708 655 5500 Best, Ms. B
 PEARSON MATH TOOLS
What is Pearson Math Tools?
Pearson Math Tools is a virtual manipulative
website. It includes a range of programs that
simulate the concrete materials we use in the
classroom, such as number lines, fraction
strips, base ten blocks, etc. The program is
also offered in Spanish.
How can you use Pearson Math Tools at home?
Students can use Math Tools to support their problem-solving while they complete
homework assignments. The website offers a variety of ways to model fractions, such as
with fraction strips, pie charts, arrays, and number lines. By selecting, moving, and
comparing these visual representations, student are internalizing new information that will
then support their comprehension of abstract concepts.

Which program should students be using? Key Buttons

When working with adding and subtracting mixed numbers, I MOVE AND ERASE
reccomend that students use:

DUPLICATE

This tool is great for representing fractions as both mixed

numbers and fractions. Not only is there a specific feature ADD STRIPS

that adds the strips together, there is also a number line that

students can use to compare the values of each fraction ODOMETER (IMPROPER
FRACTION TO MIXED
strip. If you get confused at any point, Math Tools includes a NUMBER)
full, step-by-step instruction guide.

LINK TO
INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE
Ex: What is 1 3/5 + 9/5?
1. Click the "show number line" button and use the arrows to set the
denominator to 1/5.
2. Represent 1 3/5
a. Select the 1 strip and drag it out above the number line.
b. Select the 3/5 strip to add three 1/5 strips, or drag each out individually.
3. Represent 9/5
a. Drag out a 1/5 strip.
b. Click the duplicate button and click on the 1/5 strip nine times to show 9/5.
4. Add the fraction strips
a. Select the add button and click on each individual strip to get the total sum.
5. Show the sum as a mixed number and as an improper fraction using the
Odometer.
How do I access it?
Math Tools Step-by-Step Guide
 BRAIN POP
What is BrainPOP?
BrainPOP is a group of educational websites (including
BrainPop Jr. and BrainPOP ELL) that offers educational videos,
quizzes and activities for students in grades K-12, in the
subjects of science, social studies, English, math, engineering
and technology, health, and arts and music.

BrainPOP has an amazing range of virtual learning and assessment tools. I will briefly
explain the main six features using our current topic of "Mixed Numbers"

Each BrainPOP topic starts off with a
short animated movie giving overview
of the specific topic, starring Tim and
Moby. Their investigation is prompted
by a question from a "viewer." Tim and
Moby will explain the topic using clear,
simple language and a pace
appropriate for our grade level. They
also connect the material to a real life
problem that the characters are facing.
These videos can serve as great
introductions to new topics.
Students can use the given templates
(or make their own) to create virtual
graphic organizers, such as
storyboards, vocabulary maps, or
compare & contrast maps. I like to use
this tool immediately after watching
the video so that students can organize
key terms, facts and ideas.

After watching the explanation video,
students can take a 10 question quiz.
There is a review version that gives
immediate feedback for right and
wrong answers, or a graded version
that can be submitted to me. These
short quizzes are great check-points to
see if students are grasping the
material.
This feature allows students to create
their own animated movie responding
to a question, just like Tim and Moby!
They can add text, drawings, and
record their own narrations. I love to
use this tool as a creative assessment
and the students have a lot of fun
creating their own storylines.
 BRAIN POP (CONT.)
The related reading has 5 sections
that expand upon the video topic.
These include definitions of key terms,
historical context of the topic, a list of
sample problems (with answers), a
story about a famous math
mathematician, and a funny math
comic. In particular, I like that
BrainPOP highlights different people
BrainPOP has a variety of
supplemental games to choose from.
Students often have the opportunity to
play these when they are finished with
their assigned work. For mixed
numbers, there is a game called Pearl
Diver that allows students to expand
their fraction knowledge.

and cultures, such as this description

of the different math systems.

How can you use BrainPOP at home?

Both you and your student should be familiar with
the programs offered on BrainPOP. I may assign a
movie and quiz to watch at home, or students will be
completing a longer term project using the Make-A-
Movie feature. Further, students can expand their
learning by exploring the easy-to-navigate website
for other related topics. They are encouraged to
access the additional readings and supplemental
games in their free time.

How do I access it?

Unfortunately, BrainPOP is not available without a private
or school subscription. You will need to log your student in
using the class code. Please email me if you have any
issues logging in.

URL: https://www.brainpop.com/math/
Class Code: BURZLAFF3