Lesson 9

Comparing Fractions Using 1/2

Est. Class Sessions: 2
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Mathematical Standards

4.NF.A
Extend understanding of fraction equivalence and ordering. (4.NF.A.1, 4.NF.A.2)

Standards for Mathematical Practice

MP1.
Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP2.
Reason quantitatively.
MP4.
Model with mathematics.
MP5.
Use appropraite tools strategically.
MP7.
Look for and make use of structure.

A Benchmark Number Line and the game Fraction Order provide the context for ordering and comparing fractions. Students use tools such as fraction charts, circle pieces, and benchmarks (0, 1/2, 1) to support their reasoning.

Content in this Lesson

  • Comparing and ordering fractions using area models and number lines [E9].
  • Comparing fractions to benchmarks (0, 1/2, and 1) [E9].
  • Making connections between representations of fractions using fraction circle pieces, number lines, and symbols [E7].
  • Representing fraction comparisons with symbols (e.g., <, >, =) [E7].
  • Naming and representing fractions greater than one as improper fractions and mixed numbers [E5].
  • Representing fractions using area models [E1].
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Materials for Students

Daily Practice and Problems Lesson Homework Assessment

Student Books

 Student Guide
Student Activity Book

Teacher Resources

 Teacher Guide - digital

Supplies for Students

fraction circle pieces, one set per student
envelope for fraction cards
small sheets of paper or index cards
scissors
calculators

Supplies for Student Groups

large sheet of paper
a list of fractions. See Materials Preparation.

Materials for the Teacher

Two Displays of Fraction Order Game Board (Student Activity Book) Page 298
Display of Fraction Cards 1 (Student Activity Book) Page 299
Display of Fraction Cards 2 (Student Activity Book) Page 301
Unit 8 Assessment Record
Display set of fraction circle pieces
large sheet of chart paper
small sheets of paper or index cards
envelope or small bag for Fraction Cards
spray adhesive (optional)

Materials Preparation

Display of Benchmark Number Line. On a large piece of chart paper, draw a Benchmark Number Line, and label 0, 1/2, and 1. Trace fraction circle pieces to create pictures of 0, 1/2, and 1 whole as shown in Figure 1. Note that the red circle is the unit whole. This number line will be used throughout the lesson and the rest of the unit to order and compare fractions.

Figure 1: Display a class Benchmark Number Line on chart paper

TIMS Tip

Spray the display of the Benchmark Number Line with low tack spray adhesive to create a large surface that is always sticky, like a self-adhesive note. You will be able to easily place, move, and remove fractions from the number line without additional tape or glue.

Fraction Cards. Prepare the Fraction Cards for the Fraction Order game in Part 2. Ask students or a parent volunteer to cut out the sets of fraction cards from the Fraction Cards 1 and Fraction Cards 2 pages in the Student Activity Book. Each set should be placed in an envelope or small bag.

Prepare display sets of Fraction Cards 1 and Fraction Cards 2.

Make lists of fractions. During Summarizing the Lesson, each group of 4 students will need a list of fractions to put in order on a Benchmark Number Line. Make a list of fractions for each group. Use examples from the lesson and tailor each list to the needs of students. You may choose to include fractions that are not easily represented with circle pieces or the fraction chart, or fractions that include addition or multiplication.

Assessment in this Lesson

Assessment Expectation Assessed

Comparing Fractions Using 1/2
Check-In: Questions 22–26
Student Guide
Pages 346–347
E1.
Represent fractions using area models (circle pieces, fraction strips, drawings) and number lines.
E9.
Compare and order fractions using area models, number lines, and one-half as a benchmark.
E10.
Add and subtract fractions with like denominators using area models.
E11.
Multiply fractions by a whole number
(e.g., 1/3 × 3 = 1, 2/3 × 6 = 1/3 × 6 × 2).

Home Practice Part 6
Teacher Guide - digital
E1.
Represent fractions using area models (circle pieces, fraction strips, drawings) and number lines.
E5.
Name and represent fractions greater than one as mixed numbers and improper fractions using models (fraction strips, circle pieces, number lines).
E7.
Make connections among representations of fractions including symbols, words, area models, and number lines.