Illustrative Mathematics
Listing Fractions in Increasing Size
Increase the depth of your class's fractional number sense with this number-ordering activity. Given four fractions, each with different numerators and denominators, young learners are asked to place them in order from smallest to...
Illustrative Mathematics
Using Benchmarks to Compare Fractions
Introduce a new strategy for comparing fractions by analyzing Melissa's use of benchmarks. Walk the class through her process, calling on students to explain their understanding of each step she took. Then practice this method on two...
Curated OER
Comparing Fractions with a Different Whole
What was Bryce's mistake? Through analysis of a student work example, learners develop their own ability to compare the fractions one fourth and one half. Central to this activity is the concept that, when comparing fractions, the whole...
Curated OER
Comparing Fractions with Objects and Pictures
Scholars will compare fractions using objects and pictures. They view pre-made pictures and concrete objects of fractions. Then use small white boards to draw pictorial representations of fractions.
Curated OER
Comparing Fractions
The best way to teach students how to compare fractions is using visual means. This instructional activity suggests a variety of ways to help learners understand this concept using a SMART Board, Kidspiration, videos, computer games, and...
Illustrative Mathematics
Representing Half of a Circle
Geometric shapes make great visual models for introducing young mathematicians to the concept of fractions. Looking at a series of four circles, students are asked to determine whether or not one half of each circle is shaded. To support...
Curated OER
Comparing Fractions
Young mathematicians compare two fractions with like denominators and then move to the next level to compare fractions with unlike denominators. They will first try to use mental math to make educated guesses. There are a few guidelines...
Curated OER
Which is Closer to 1?
A seemingly simple question that reveals a lot about a student's understanding of fractions. In finding an answer, learners compare fractions with different denominators that are both greater and less than one. No number line is...
Curated OER
Comparing Fractions
Learners compare three sets of fractions using the greater than, less than, and equal signs. To justify their answers, a drawing is also required that illustrates their reasoning. Including fractions with like and unlike denominators, as...
Rational Number Project
Initial Fraction Ideas Lesson 18: Overview
Develop young mathematicians' ability to compare fractions with investigation into the number 1/2. After brainstorming a list of fractions equivalent to 1/2, children identify a pattern in the numerators and denominators that allows them...
Curated OER
Snow Day
It's a snow day, and two brothers attending schools with different schedules each got a late start to the day. But who had the shorter school day? That's what your class will find out as they apply their knowledge of fractions to this...
Illustrative Mathematics
Fractions on the Number Line
Fractions are a common fear in school, but visualizing them on a number line can help your learners understand their relationship to one another. The activity provides two solutions; use either a number line or a common denominator....
Rational Number Project
Initial Fraction Ideas Lesson 22: Overview
Have young mathematicians subtracting fractions in no time with this manipulative-based math lesson. Using their sets of fraction circles, students explore a number of word problems involving the subtraction of fractions before working...
Curated OER
Hershey Bar Equivalent Fractions
Fourth and fifth graders explain how to use equivalent fractions. They recognize which fractions are equivalent. Pupils find equivalent fractions.
Curated OER
Find 2/3
This short problem with representing fractions on a number line is more than meets the eye. Labeled only with the numbers zero and 1/4, a number line is used to locate the fraction 2/3. A solution can be found in multiple ways, but young...
Illustrative Mathematics
Comparing Two Different Pizzas
What better way to learn about fractions than with a couple pizzas? Help Jessica figure out how much of the pizza she has eaten, while teaching your class that fractions refer to a specific whole amount. This problem will be challenging...
Illustrative Mathematics
Explaining Fraction Equivalence with Picture
Visual models are a great tool for demonstrating the concept of equivalent fractions. Given two pictures, young mathematicians first identify each fraction and then write an explanation for why they are equivalent. Use as a guided...
EngageNY
Decimal Expansions of Fractions, Part 2
Develop your pupils' understanding of fractions and their decimal equivalence using the 12th lesson in this series. Scholars learn an alternative to long division that results in converting fractions to decimals that emphasize fractional...
Curated OER
Inequality and the 1/2 Benchmark
Fourth graders utilize fraction bar manipulatives to compare a variety of fractions to the fraction value 1/2. Pupils are put into groups, and they begin to see how fractions that look completely different actually represent the same...
Curated OER
Fraction City
Welcome to Fraction City! This is an incredibly interactive and fun way to teach properties of fractions, and reaches multiple learning styles. Scholars create "blocks" by folding strips of paper in various increments (thirds, fourths,...
Lakeshore Learning
Comparing and Ordering Fractions
Math can be satisfying for the mind and the stomach! Incorporate slices of pizza into your fractions lesson with a set of informative resources. After a brief guided lesson on comparing and ordering fractions, young mathematicians...
Liberty Union-Thurston
Equivalent Fractions
The next lesson plan in a math series builds off the previous one in which learners estimated fraction amounts using fraction bars. Here, pupils view equivalent fractions with unlike denominators using fraction bars. Lastly,...
Curated OER
Our Solar System - Comparing Planetary Travel Distances
NASA presents a mini-unit on distances in our solar system. It incorporates scientific concepts of gravity, mass, density, and payload while your aspiring astronauts also employ mathematics skills. They calculate speed, they determine...
Curated OER
Equivalent Fractions
If you are looking for a simple way to review equivalent fractions, this is a great resource. Using a visual means and a series of examples, learners review this skill. There is a worksheet provided and a prompt to encourage pupils to...