21st Century Math Projects

Project Title : CSI Pre-Algebra: Fractions

Standard Focus: Number Sense and Operations Time Range : 1-3 Days
Supplies : Pencil and Paper
Topics of Focus :
-

Operations with Fractions

Interpreting Fractions from Real World Problems

Common Denominators

Using Fractions in Formulas

Interpreting Circle Graphs

The Number
System

6.NS

1. Interpret and compute quotients of fractions, and solve word problems

involving division of fractions by fractions, e.g., by using visual fraction
models and equations to represent the problem.

Expressions and
Equations

6.EE

2. Write, read, and evaluate expressions in which letters stand for numbers.

Expressions and
Equations

6.EE

2a. Write expressions that record operations with numbers and with letters
standing for numbers.

6.EE

6. Use variables to represent numbers and write expressions when solving a

real-world or mathematical problem; understand that a variable can
represent an unknown number, or, depending on the purpose at hand, any
number in a specified set.

6.EE

7. Solve real-world and mathematical problems by writing and solving

equations of the form x + p = q and px = q for cases in which p, q and x
are all nonnegative rational numbers.

Expressions and
Equations

6.EE

9. Use variables to represent two quantities in a real-world problem that

change in relationship to one another; write an equation to express one
quantity, thought of as the dependent variable, in terms of the other
quantity, thought of as the independent variable.

The Number
System

7.NS

1d. Apply properties of operations as strategies to add and subtract rational

numbers.

The Number
System

7.NS

2. Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division

and of fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.

The Number
System

7.NS

2c. Apply properties of operations as strategies to multiply and divide

rational numbers.

Expressions and
Equations

Expressions and
Equations

21st Century Math Projects

The Number
System

Expressions and
Equations

7.NS

3. Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving the four

operations with rational numbers.

7.EE

3. Solve multi-step real-life and mathematical problems posed with positive

and negative rational numbers in any form, using tools strategically. Apply
properties of operations to calculate with numbers in any form; convert
between forms as appropriate; and assess the reasonableness of answers
using mental computation and estimation strategies.

Procedures:
A.) Student will be given the letter from Chief Harris, the possible suspects, and crime scene puzzles.
B.) Students will work in pairs or individually to solve the crime.
C.) Students will determine which suspect should be arrested.
D.) Students will create a portfolio of evidence proving that they have arrested the right person and will
demonstrate their understanding of their mathematical content present in the problem.
*E.) Students can present their evidence to the class as an oral presentation.
*Extensions

21st Century Math Projects

CSI Pre-Algebra: Fractions

Detectives,
The boys and girls have once again come out to play. This time, the international evil genius terrorist
group the Mathemagicians are running amok over Central America. Although we have apprehended a
number of their associates, we have yet to recover any pieces of their ill-conceived world conquering
device that they soon may deploy to conquer the world. From the intelligence we have gathered, the
anonymous henchman the Evil Denominator Monster is the culprit behind these robberies.
As with other crimes related to the Mathemagicians, they have left
behind a trail of mathematical puzzles and a cryptic text message
that needs to be deciphered. When substituted correctly, the text
message will calculate to the Monsters favorite number. So far
there are six suspects that police have questioned. It is hoped that
someone with a relatively strong number sense can crack some
codes that have puzzled the detectives on the case so far.
Your job is to bring the Evil Denominator Monster to justice and save the planet. You need to be
prepared to state your case and demonstrate your understanding of the following skills that the
Monster is known to use in the notes.
-

Operations with Fractions

Interpreting Fractions from Real World Problems

Common Denominators

Using Fractions in Formulas

Interpreting Circle Graphs

Be sure to include:
-

Other examples of the concepts

Definitions

Any other relevant information.

This is not a time to be sloppy. The slightest miscalculation or illegible footnote could result in a not
guilty verdict. Oh, did I mention that use of a calculator might prematurely set off his world conquering
device? Good luck to you, gumshoe.

Chief Harris
21st Century Math Projects

CSI: The Evidence

Name:_______________________________
1.

Clue
___________
2.

Clue
___________
3.

Clue
___________
21st Century Math Projects

4.

Clue
___________
5.

Clue
___________
6.

Clue
___________
Cryptic Text Message
Suspect
___________
21st Century Math Projects

Who is the Evil Denominator Monster?

Name: Zoey

Name: Austin

Occupation: Retired

Occupation: Bank
Teller

Favorite Number: 9

Favorite Number:
18

Name: Donnie

Name: Quinn

Occupation: Warehouse
Supervisor

Occupation: Cake
Decorator

Favorite Number: 4/5

Favorite Number: 17

Name: Stillman

Name: Batulo

Occupation: ATV
Salesman

Occupation: Blogger

Favorite Number:
999/1000

Favorite Number:
32/55

21st Century Math Projects

Scene #1

Tenochtitlan - Mexico City, Mexico

The Evil Denominator Monster is suspected to have broken into the famed Aztec city and
escaped with five Giant Eagle bags full of gold. Investigators later found this note.

I have graffitied an ancient Aztec

decoration with a fraction puzzle!

=
=

The Evil Denominator Monster has

come to destroy all whole numbers,
integers and decimals. Although I
understand these are subsets of
fractions, they are not truly fractions!
I demand that fractions be used in all
walks of life! All fractions. All the
time.

If you can get to the end of this

puzzle you will get your first clue
(equal to E). HINT: the answer is a
fraction!

e = ____
Scene #2

Caribbean Sea - Belize City, Belize

A figure parachuted from an airplane and landed on a yacht in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. All of
the passengers were sent to shore in lifeboats, but the yacht was taken. Victims claimed the figure kept
yelling that they were the Evil Denominator Monster.

Woohoo. It is time for my favorite game: See Real-Life Situations as Fractions Game.

In the Caribbean Sea, there are 15 yachts, 32 sailboats,

and 8 trawlers. What fraction of the boats are sailboats?

___________

On the coast of Belize, there are 4,200 butterflies. 800

are orange, 200 are purple, 400 are yellow and the rest
___________ are blue. What fraction of the butterflies are blue?
Which fraction is larger?
The fraction of Sailboat is larger

The fraction of butterflies is larger

m = 1/2

c = 1/2
21st Century Math Projects

Scene #3

Tikal National Park Tikal, Guatemala

The local conservationists were stunned to find out that the large stucco mask of Temple 33 was taken.
It is unclear to investigators how the mask may be used in the World Conquering Device.
The Mayans seem to have forgotten fractions in their number system. Of course the Evil Denominator
Monster can take care of that! Use the common dominators from the Bank to solve these
expressions. Cross them out as you go.

The sum of the leftovers is equal to

16

18

20

26

A= 16

C = 18

M = 20

R = 26

______=______
21st Century Math Projects

Scene #4

Afinity de Mexico - Ciudad, Mexico

A shoe factory specializing in lightweight footwear was broken into last night and their entire
inventory of rubber was taken. Custodians later found this note in the restroom.

Three friends are going to the store for the latest, greatest athletic shoe
(so they can run from the Evil Denominator Monster). The good news is
the Mexico produces a lot of great footwear. The bad news is that there
are only 2 pairs left and they have three pairs of feet.
And worse news They have to use fractions to figure out their shoe size. Use the equation to
determine the correct shoe size for each person.

(shoe size) =

(foot length in cm)

Shoe Store Inventory

Foot Length:
25 cm

Foot Length:
30

cm

Foot Length:
27

5 11

cm

Who will not be able to get shoes?

(the first letter of their name) = (their shoe size)

______=______
Scene #5

Arena Volcano - San Jose, Costa Rica

With a special suit, a number of witnesses watched the Evil Denominator monster repel into the
volcano and leave with 20 liters of magma.

Hola, cmo ests? Voy a practicar mi espaol y hacer que realmente confundido!
Encontrar las fracciones equivalentes!

Qu fraccin es permanecer?
Ser igual a i.

i =____
21st Century Math Projects

Scene #6

Panama Canal Zone - Ancn, Panama

The Evil Denominator Monster is suspected to have taken the locks for the Panama Canal
rendering it useless. Birds carried the following note to investigators.

You are running out of time. Soon, the entire internet will begin to display all
numbers in fraction form. Next Ill be going after the words
Not counting Mexico (which accounts
for over 70% of the population of
Central America) how are the rest of
the people distributed?

Population in Central America

Panama,
2/25

(without Mexico)

Belize,
1/100

Costa Rica,
11/100

Guatemala,
1/3

The Estimated Total Population of

these 7 Countries in 2012 was:

42,688,190 people
Which of these two
numbers are smaller?

Nicaragua,
13/100

El Salvador,
7/50

Honduras,
1/5

The difference between the population

of El Salvador and Costa Rica.

The difference between the population

of Nicaragua and Panama.

a = 1/4

m = 3/4

CRYPTIC PUZZLE SOLVER TEXT MESSAGE

5 out of 4 people cant do fractions.

C A M E R i C + A
The Evil Denominator Monster
21st Century Math Projects

Thank you for being my Math Friend!

If you liked this

21st Century Math Project

You might like others.

(Click the logo)

Math it Up.
Boomdiggy.

21st Century Math Projects

Who is the Evil Denominator Monster?

Name: Zoey

Name: Austin

Occupation: Retired

Occupation: Bank
Teller

Favorite Number: 9

Favorite Number:
18

Name: Donnie

Name: Quinn

Occupation: Warehouse
Supervisor

Occupation: Cake
Decorator

Favorite Number: 4/5

Favorite Number: 17

Name: Stillman

Name: Batulo

Occupation: ATV
Salesman

Occupation: Blogger

Favorite Number:
999/1000

Favorite Number:
32/55

21st Century Math Projects

Scene #1

Tenochtitlan - Mexico City, Mexico

The Evil Denominator Monster is suspected to have broken into the famed Aztec city and
escaped with five Giant Eagle bags full of gold. Investigators later found this note.

I have graffitied an ancient Aztec

decoration with a fraction puzzle!

=
=

The Evil Denominator Monster has

come to destroy all whole numbers,
integers and decimals. Although I
understand these are subsets of
fractions, they are not truly fractions!
I demand that fractions be used in all
walks of life! All fractions. All the
time.

If you can get to the end of this

puzzle you will get your first clue
(equal to E). Hint: the answer is a
fraction!

e = ____2/3
Scene #2

Caribbean Sea - Belize City, Belize

A figure parachuted from an airplane and landed on a yacht in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. All of
the passengers were sent to shore in lifeboats, but the yacht was taken. Victims claimed the figure kept
claiming that they were the Evil Denominator Monster.

Woohoo. It is time for my favorite game: See Real-Life Situations as Fractions Game.

In the Caribbean Sea, there are 15 yachts, 32 sailboats,

and 8 trawlers. What fraction of the boats are sailboats?

2800/4200

32/55

On the coast of Belize, there are 4,200 butterflies. 800

are orange, 200 are purple, 400 are yellow and the rest
are blue. What fraction of the butterflies are blue?
Which fraction is larger?

The fraction of Sailboat is larger

The fraction of butterflies is larger

m = 1/2

c = 1/2
21st Century Math Projects

Scene #3

Tikal National Park Tikal, Guatemala

The local conservationists were stunned to find out that the large stucco mask of Temple 33 was taken.
It is unclear to investigators how the mask may be used in the World Conquering Device.
The Mayans seem to have forgotten fractions in their number system. Of course the Evil Denominator
Monster can take care of that! Use common dominators from the bank to solve these expressions.

Is the sum of the leftovers?

16

18

20

26

A= 16

C = 18

M = 20

R = 26

______=______
21st Century Math Projects

Scene #4

Afinity de Mexico - Ciudad, Mexico

A shoe factory specializing in lightweight footwear was broken into last night and their entire
inventory of rubber was taken. Custodians later found this note in the restroom.

Three friends are going to the store for the latest, greatest athletic shoe
(so they can run away faster from the Evil Denominator Monster). The
good news is the Mexico produces a lot of great footwear. The bad news
is that there are only 2 pairs left and they have three pairs of feet.
The worst news? They have to use fractions to figure out their shoe size. Use the equation to
determine the correct shoe size for each person.

shoe size =

(foot length in cm)

Shoe Store Inventory

Foot Length:

Foot Length:

Foot Length:

25 cm 5.5

30

27

cm 11.5

5 11

cm -- 8.5

Who will not get shoes?

(the first letter of their name) = (their shoe size)

R______=______8.5
Scene #5

Arena Volcano - San Jose, Costa Rica

With a special suit, a number of witnesses watched the Evil Denominator monster repel into the
volcano and leave with 20 liters of magma.

Hola, cmo ests? Voy a practicar mi espaol y hacer que realmente confundido!
Encontrar las fracciones equivalentes!

Qu fraccin es permanecer?
Ser igual a i.

i =____
21st Century Math Projects

Scene #6

Panama Canal Zone - Ancn, Panama

The Evil Denominator Monster is suspected to have taken the locks for the Panama Canal
rendering it useless. Birds carried the following note to investigators.

You are running out of time. Soon, the entire internet will begin to display all
numbers in fraction form. Next Ill be going after the words
Not counting Mexico (which accounts
for over 70% of the population of
Central America) how are the rest of
the people distributed.

Panama,
2/25

Belize,
1/100

Costa Rica,
11/100
Guatemala,
1/3

The Estimated Total Population of

these 7 Countries in 2012 was:

42,688,190 people

Nicaragua,
13/100

Which of these two

numbers are smaller?

El Salvador,
7/50

Honduras,
1/5

The difference between the population

of El Salvador and Costa Rica.

The difference between the population

of Nicaragua and Panama.

5976346.6 4695700.9 = 1,280,645.7

5549464.7 3415055.2 = 2,134,409.5

a = 1/4

m = 3/4

CRYPTIC PUZZLE SOLVER TEXT MESSAGE

5 out of 4 people cant do fractions.

C A M E R i C + A
The Evil Denominator Monster
21st Century Math Projects

From Puzzle 1: e = 2/3

From Puzzle 2: c = 1/2
From Puzzle 3: M = 20
From Puzzle 4: R = 8
From Puzzle 5: i =
From Puzzle 6: a = 1/4

C A M E R i C + A
1/2

1/4 20 2/3 8

1/2 + 1/4 = 17

21st Century Math Projects