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by Brigid Del Carmen
Topics: Third Grade, Math

If you're constantly wondering how a 24-hour day goes by so fast, try this fun, interactive project with your third grader. Creating pie graphs that represent your daily activities will give your third grader a chance to practice fractions, and get a new appreciation for how much Mom does in a day!

What You Need:
 
  • Construction paper
  •  Markers
  •  Ruler
  •  Large bowl or cake pan to trace a pie graph
 
What You Do:
 
1. Discuss the project with your child.  Explain that you'll each create a pie graph to represent your daily activities.  When finished, you’ll get to compare what makes up your day, and display your pie graphs in a special spot.
 
2. Begin by making circles for your graphs.  Because you’ll be splitting the pie graph into 24 sections, the circle should be fairly large (tape two sheets of construction paper together, if needed).  Next, demonstrate how to separate the graph into 24 sections.  Using a ruler, divide the circle into 4 sections or quarters.  In each quarter, draw 5 lines coming out of the center to make 6 sections.  Count to be sure both graphs contain 24 sections.  Explain to your child that each “piece” of the pie represents one hour, or 1/24, of the day.
 
3. Now it’s time to write your lists of daily activities.  Model for your child by listing your daily activities and the time spent on each.  To keep the graph simple, list each activity in hourly time intervals.
 
Here are sample lists:          
 
Mom:                                                              Third Grader:
 
wake/get ready:  2/24                                   wake/get ready/bus ride:  1/24
work/meetings:  3/24                                   school – morning classes:  3/24
lunch:  1/24                                                    lunch/recess/study hall:  1/24
work/meetings:  4/24                                   school – afternoon classes:  2/24
errands:  2/24                                                soccer practice:  2/24
make dinner/homework:  2/24                   phone/relax:  1/24
kids to bed:  1/24                                          dinner/homework:  2/24
exercise/relax:  2/24                                     read/bedtime:  1/24
sleep:  7/24                                                    sleep:  11/24
 
4. Once your lists are complete, show your child how to color her pie graph.  Choose one color for each activity and create a key next to your graph.  Color the corresponding number of pie pieces for each activity.  Continue in this way until your pie graphs are complete and very colorful.
 
5. Now it’s time to add and compare.  Show your third grader how to write out her daily activities as a fraction problem, add up the numerators (top numbers) and they should equal 24.  Remind her that 24/24 = 1 DAY.
 
6. Look at your graphs together and compare your days.  How are your graphs similar?  How are they different?  Praise your child’s finished product and choose a space to proudly display your Mother and Child Pie Graphs.