Kool-Aid Play Dough Lesson Plan

By Name: Marissa Griffin

Date: November 5, 2015

Lesson Title:

How to make Kool-Aid Play Dough

Topic/Concept:
Grade Level:
Content Area(s):
Estimated Time:

Baking with fractions

Fifth Grade
Mathematics
10 minutes

Focus/Purpose:

Standards:

The main idea of this lesson is to have the hands on activity while
learning fractions. This is important because this helps with kinesthetic
learners and helps students understand the importance of fractions in
baking.
5.NF.E Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract
fractions.
5.NF.2 Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of
fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike
denominators, e.g., by using visual fraction models or equations to
represent the problem. Use benchmark fractions and number sense of
fractions to estimate mentally and assess the reasonableness of
answers

Objectives:

1) Students will follow a recipe involving addition fractions.

2) Students will identify similarities and differences between
different types of denominators.
3) Students will work in small groups using visual fraction
models to create play dough.

Objectives (a.k.a.
Learning Goals)
in StudentFriendly
Language:

I can work together with my group with a positive attitude.

I can read a recipe and match the right measuring cups to the
correct fractions.
I can share my observations with my class.

Language
Objective

Students will be able to see visuals of material as well as measuring

cups. Students will be given time to read the recipe. Then having a
group understanding before beginning the activity. Each student will
be responsible for a part in the activity while the group helps each
other.

Lesson Type:

Project-Based Learning
Cooperative Learning
2015 1

Instructional
Strategies:

Assessment:

Materials/
Resources:

Differentiation:
(Modifications/
Adaptations)

Group work- students will work in small groups to figure out

which measurements are needed for each ingredient.
Hands on learning- students will participate in creating a final
product using fractions.
Class Discussion- Students will come back together to share
their final products and understandings about fractions.
The observations during the activity in small groups with
serve as an informative assessment to determine the different
levels of understanding each student is at.
The formative assessment is observing each student complete
the activity individually.
Kool Aid Recipe (http://www.food.com/recipe/kool-aid-playdough-14788).
Flour
Oil
Boiling Water
Wax Paper
Kool Aid Packets
Measuring Cups
Bowls
Hot Water Maker

Identify where it may be necessary to differentiate instruction to meet

the needs of diverse learners and those with identified special needs
(IEPs, 504 Plans, ELL, etc.).
Modifications :
Students will have an opportunity to observe other students if
they do not wish to participate.

Procedure

Students will get a more in depth clarification from the

instructor.

Students will have the opportunity to choose what ingredients

they want to take part in.

Spoons will be available for students who do not want to get

the ingredients on their hands.

The structure of the opening, body, and close, is dependent on the

type of lesson and instructional strategies you are using.
Before the start of class:
Start to boil water 8 minutes before class
Write the fractions 1/1, , 1/3, on the board
Write abbreviations Cup=Cups, Tbs=Tablespoon, and Tsp=Teaspoon
2015 2

on board.
OPEN:
Ask the class if they knew that they could make play dough at home.
In order to measuring the right amount of ingredients, you have to
know fractions!
*ask students to get into four groups*
Then explain the different types of fractions that the students will see
on the measuring cups and white board.
Then explain the activity by showing the class the different stations to
find the ingredients that they will need to make the play dough.
Next, Show the students what is in each bowl that they will receive
and what each item is for. Recipe= The instructions that students will
need to follow, Measuring cups= Measuring the right amount of
ingredients, Kool-Aid packets=an ingredient for the play dough, and
Wax paper= When the play dough is complete, each student will get
an amount of play dough to put on the wax paper.
*Give Warning about boiling water*
_____
BODY:
*Make sure there is enough hot water still*
Each group will be working together to create their own play dough.
As Each group is working together in different stations for 12minutes, the instructor will go around to each group to answer
questions, give guidance, as well as asses each student by observing.
The instructor will ask questions of what measurement the students
should be using for each ingredient and if they need to use addition to
get the right about of ingredient.
_____
CLOSE:
Class will debrief (while playing with play dough) about why
fractions are important and what they learned about fractions.
This activity was to show you that we have to learn fractions in
order to bake or cook. Fractions are used in everyday life.
The class will continue to go more in depth of adding and subtracting
fractions next week with an understanding of why we use fractions
and can relate fractions back to this activity.

2015 3