Using Benchmarks to Compare Fractions
Using Benchmarks to Compare Fractions
Objectives
In this unit, students are introduced to the concept of fractions and how they can be compared. (Mastery is not expected until grade 5.) Students will:
- compare fractions by using concrete models.
- compare fractions by using benchmarks.
- order fractions by using concrete models, benchmarks, and parallel number lines.
- explore fair-sharing situations with unit fractions.
Essential Questions
How are relationships represented mathematically?
How can mathematics support effective communication?
How is mathematics used to quantify, compare, represent, and model numbers?
What does it mean to estimate or analyze numerical quantities?
What makes a tool and/or strategy appropriate for a given task?
- How is mathematics used to quantify, compare, represent, and model numbers?
- How are relationships represented mathematically?
- What does it mean to estimate or analyze numerical quantities?
- What makes a tool and/or strategy appropriate for a given task?
Vocabulary
- Denominator: In a fraction, the number or quantity below the fraction bar. Tells the number of equal parts into which a whole is divided.
- Fraction: Notation used to represent part of a whole or part of a group by telling the number of equal parts in the whole (denominator), and the number of those parts being described (numerator).
- Inequality: A mathematical sentence that contains a symbol (<. >, ≤ , ≥, or ≠) in which the terms on either side of the symbol are unequal.
- Mixed Number: The sum of a whole number and a fraction.
- Numerator: In a fraction, the number or quantity above the fraction bar. Tells the number of parts of a whole being described.
- Unit Fraction: A fraction with a numerator of 1.
Duration
90–120 minutes
Prerequisite Skills
Prerequisite Skills haven't been entered into the lesson plan.
Materials
- fraction circles
- chips
- overhead fraction circles
- paper strips to fold (1 inch by 11 inches)
- parallel fraction lines
- Parallel Number Line worksheet (M-4-3-1_Parallel Number Line Sheet.doc)
- Fair Share Problems worksheet (M-4-3-1_Fair Share Problems and KEY.doc)
- number cubes
- fraction flash cards
- Lesson 1 Assessment (M-4-3-1_Lesson 1 Assessment and KEY.doc)
- Fraction Circle Template (M-4-3-1_Fraction Circle Template.doc)
- Fraction Strip Template (M-4-3-1_Fraction Strip Template.doc)
- Expansion Resource worksheet (M-4-3-1_Expansion Resource Sheet.doc)
Related Unit and Lesson Plans
Related Materials & Resources
The possible inclusion of commercial websites below is not an implied endorsement of their products, which are not free, and are not required for this lesson plan.
- http://www.ezschool.com/Games/CompareFractions.html
- www.visualfractions.com/IdentifyCircles/identifycircles.html
- http://math.rice.edu/~lanius/fractions/prac1.html#
- The Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar Fractions Book by Jerry Pallotta, Cartwheel Books, December, 1, 1999.
- Full House: An Invitation to Fractions by Dayle Ann Dodds, Candlewick, August 11, 2009.
Formative Assessment
Suggested Instructional Supports
Instructional Procedures
Related Instructional Videos
Note: Video playback may not work on all devices.
Instructional videos haven't been assigned to the lesson plan.
Final 05/16/2013