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Kwanzaa Math: The Kinara

submitted by: Catherine Wester

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Math Forum - USI Lesson Plan

Topic: Fractions Path
Grades K-4:
 
NCTM Mathematics Standards:
  Fractions and Decimals

Mathematics as Communication
 
Lesson Objectives:
 
  1. Develop a basic understanding of fractions.
  2. Relate fractions to Kwanzaa.
  3. Create Kwanzaa drawings that represent fractions.
  4. Use mathematical lanmguage to represent the fractions they have drawn.
 
Materials required:
 
  1. fraction tiles
  2. kinara (candle holder)
  3. mishumaa saba (seven candles)
  4. drawing materials (paper, pencils, crayons)
 
Description:
  Students will examine fractions to better understand the Kwanzaa concept of the kinara (candle holder) as the object that unifies seven unique ideals (as represented by the mishumaa saba or the kinara's seven candles) into a single symbol.
 
Procedure:
 
  1. Examine fraction tiles to help students understand the meaning of fractions.
    1. Help students develop an appropriate vocabulary for expressing the fractions they examine.
    2. Combine fraction tiles of various colors to provide students with opportunities to identify and describe fractions.
  2. Review information about the seven symbols of kwanzaa emphasizing the kinara (candle holder) and the mishumaa saba (seven candles).
    1. Examine the candles of the kinara identifying and describing the fractions found.
    2. Have students draw and color a kinara and mishumaa saba.
    3. Have or help students write about the fractions they find in their drawings.
 
Related Links
  The Seven Symbols of Kwanzaa
http://www.whyy.org/smc/allen/ZwanWeb/kwanzaa.html#7symbols

A Tour of Fractions
http:// mathforum.org/paths/fractions/

Send comments to Catherine Wester at cwester@phila.k12.pa.us

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Sat 18 Apr 1998