Comparing Fractions - 3rd Grade
Rationale:
- The purpose of this lesson is to have students compare fractions and see which ones are greater than, less than, or equal.
Standards:
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.D Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.
Objectives:
- Students will be able to compare fractions using visual models and symbols (<,>,=).
- Students will be able to determine which fraction is bigger when the fractions have the same numerator.
- Students will be able to determine which fraction is bigger when the fractions have the same denominator.
Lesson Progression:
Introduction
- Explain to students that they will be learning how to compare fractions to continue what they already know about fractions.
- Display two fractions and pizza drawings on board. Cut one into fourths and the other into eights.
- Point out to students that the two pizzas are the same size, but the first pizza is cut into 4 slices and the second is cut into 8 slices.
- Say, “Imagine you are very hungry and someone offers you one slice of pizza. Would you rather have one slice of this pizza that is cut into fourths?” (Circle one of the slices on the first pizza and write “1/4” beneath the pizza.) Then ask, “Or would you rather have one slice of this pizza that is cut into eighths?” (Circle one of the slices on the second pizza and write “1/8” beneath the pizza.)
- Reinforce this concept by explaining that, when comparing fractions with the same numerator (top number), the fraction with the smaller denominator (bottom number) is greater.
o Show example “6/8” and “6/10”.
- Write the fractions 5/12 and 7/12 on the board. Ask, “What about these two fractions? Their denominators are the same. How do we know which is greater?"
- Display a picture of two candy bars that are cut into twelfths. Then say, “Think of these candy bars. These candy bars are cut into 12 slices. If you are really hungry, would you want five of the 12 slices (shade in 5/12) or seven of the 12 slices (shade in 7/12)?
- Reinforce correct answers and point out that when the denominator is the same, the fraction with the larger numerator is greater. (Write “7/12 > 5/12.”)
- Write the fractions “1/2” and “4/8” on the board and ask students which fraction they think will be bigger.
o Explain to students that these fractions are equal because the same amount is being shaded on both the pizzas.
o Show example “1/2” and “3/6”.
- Write the fraction 2/3 under two pizzas. Make one pizza larger. Explain to students that although the fractions are the same, since one is larger than that pizza has bigger slices.
- Explain to students they are going to do a worksheet. Explain directions for worksheet.
- After students are done with the worksheet (if time permits) explain that they can play the fraction game.
Middle
- Students will be at their desks completing the worksheet (attached at end).
- I will walk around to help students and answer questions.
- After students are done, we will go over the worksheet.
Closure
- Have students break into groups of two.
- Students will play the fraction game.
o They will then compare the fractions.
o Compare the two fractions. In the circle, write >, <, or = to make the number sentence true.
o If the symbol points left (<), they will move their marker one space to the left on the game board. If the symbol points right (>), they will move your marker one space to the right. If they used an equal sign (=), they will move their marker one space in either direction.
Assessment:
- The worksheet will be used as an assessment.
Other Considerations:
Materials
- White board/Smartboard
- Enough worksheets for each student
- Enough game boards and answer sheets for each student
- Enough game pieces for each student
Sources
- Lakeshore Learning
comparing_fractions_worksheet.docx | |
File Size: | 336 kb |
File Type: | docx |