STORY ACTIVITY — HELP Mr. Bee SOLVE A PROBLEM

Help Mr. Bee Solve a Problem

Mr. Bee needs to choose a power setting for his mission.

He sees two options:

• 1/2 power
• 0.5 power

Mr. Bee wonders:

“Are these different, or do they mean the same thing?”

Let’s help Mr. Bee find out!

You can complete the challenge with or without a robot. Use pen and paper to solve the story challenge.

Option A: No Robot Needed

1. Draw a rectangle to represent one whole.
2. Divide the rectangle into 2 equal parts.
3. Shade 1 part and label it 1/2.

Now try another way:

1. Draw another rectangle to represent one whole.
2. Divide it into 10 equal parts.
3. Shade 5 parts and label it 0.5.

Think About It 

• Do both pictures show the same amount?
• How do you know?

 

Option B: Robot (Optional)

If your robot can change speed or brightness, try this:

1. Set the robot to 0.5.
2. Then set it to 1/2 (if your robot supports fractions).

Observe what happens.

• Does the robot behave the same way?
• What does this tell you about 1/2 and 0.5?