Curated OER
Halves, Thirds, and Sixths
An excellent activity that effectively pulls together the concepts of area, fractions, and equivalent fractions! Using 3x2 rectangular arrays, 3rd graders are introduced to the concept of area in terms of square units. Building on this...
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...
Curated OER
Closest to 1/2
Using a number line, pupils are asked to identify which of four fractions is closest to one half. Includes a single problem that can serve as a practice problem or formative assessment for 3rd or 4th graders learning to partition number...
Curated OER
Locating Fractions Greater than One on the Number Line
Supplement your lesson on improper fractions with this simple resource. Working on number lines labeled with whole numbers between 0 and 5, young mathematicians represent basic improper fractions with halves and thirds. The fractions...
Curated OER
Find 1
Extend your class's ability to represent unit fractions on a number line with this challenging worksheet. Given two number lines, one labeled with zero and 1/4, the other with zero and 5/3, students must accurately locate the number one...
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...
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...
Curated OER
Exploring Equivalent Fractions
An extensive lesson plan explores equivalent fractions and is intended for three 60-minute periods. Young mathematicians compare and order fractions with like and unlike denominators. Included are worksheets, assessments, and answer...
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...
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.
Illustrative Mathematics
Making Hot Cocoa, Variation 1
Dividing with fractions can be a confusing task to some, but the activity illustrates how to make groups out of the problem and look at it visually. Use this problem with the activity in the Additional Materials section to practice this...
Rational Number Project
Initial Fraction Ideas: Lesson 3
Visual models support young mathematicians as they deepen their fractional number sense in this elementary math lesson. Using fraction circle manipulatives, children explore basic unit fractions as they develop the fundamental...
Illustrative Mathematics
Making Hot Cocoa, Variation 2
Learners are introduced to dividing by fractions in a visual way. Setting up groups from the information in the problem allows them to see what we divide and why. Use with the previous lesson, which can be found in Additional Materials,...
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
To Half or Half Not
Jump into equivalent fractions using these fun scenarios for mathematicians to solve. First, they use geoboards to find different ways to divide a rectangle in half. Then, an alien from the planet Fractional is after one half of their...
Curated OER
Fractions Forever!
Middle schoolers identify proper, improper fractions, and mixed numbers. They reduce fractions to their lowest terms. They add and subtract fractions with different denominators, and multiply and divide fractions, as well as decimal...
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
Fractions in Action
Investigate equivalent fractions with your class. They compare and order fractions. Then they work cooperatively in groups to experiment and problem solve with fractions using a game format. Multiple resources are provided.
Curated OER
"Pizza"rama With Fractions!!
Young mathematicians explore number values by utilizing food as a visual aide. They discuss the differences between halves, fourths, and eighths and how they are visually represented by a pizza. Then create their own pizza in class and...
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...
Virginia Department of Education
Modeling Division of Fractions
Provide a meaningful context for learning about the division of fractions with this upper-elementary math instructional activity. Presented with a simple, real-world problem, young mathematicians work in small groups to develop visual...
Curated OER
Division by Fractions (Part Two)
Investigate division through the use of array models. The lesson focuses on using area models to compare division as sharing with division as grouping. Students evaluate the usefulness and limitations of the two array models.
Illustrative Mathematics
Half of a Recipe
Kids love to cook! What is a better place to learn mixed numbers than with a recipe? It is up to learners to decide how they want to divide this recipe in half. They may choose to model the mixed number and then divide the model by two....
Illustrative Mathematics
Drinking Juice, Variation 3
It is up to the learner to find the amount of juice originally in a bottle, knowing what fraction of the juice is left, and the amount that has been consumed. The accompanying commentary provides a useful and detailed description of...