Free 4th Grade Comparing Fractions And Decimals Lesson Plan (Math)

Topic: Comparing fractions and decimals

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to compare fractions and decimals by identifying and comparing the values of their respective numerators and denominators.

Materials

• Fraction cards with different fraction values (such as 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, 1/5, 1/6, 1/7, 1/8, 1/9, and 1/10)
• Decimal cards with different decimal values (such as 0.5, 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95, 0.99, and 1.0)
• Large sheets of paper and markers
• Individual whiteboards or paper and pencils

Warm-up

• Show the students the fraction and decimal cards and ask them to sort them into two different piles based on their values.
• Ask the students if they notice any patterns in the values of the fractions or decimals.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of fraction and decimal equivalence. Explain that two numbers are equivalent if they have the same value.
• Show the students a fraction and a decimal that have the same value, and ask them to identify which is which. If the students have difficulty identifying which is which, you can use manipulatives to help them see that the fraction and decimal have the same value.
• Review the characteristics of fractions and decimals:
• Fractions have numerators and denominators, and the denominator always represents the number of equal parts into which the whole is divided.
• Decimals have a decimal point, which separates the whole number part from the fractional part.
• Have the students practice comparing fractions and decimals using manipulatives, and provide feedback and encouragement.

Guided Practice:

• Show the students a fraction and a decimal that have the same value, and have them work in pairs to identify which is which.
• Provide assistance and feedback as needed.

Independent Practice:

• Have the students work in small groups to create a set of cards that show different fractions and decimals, along with their values.
• Have each group take turns showing their cards to the class and asking questions such as "Is this fraction greater than this decimal?" or "Is this fraction less than this decimal?"
• Provide assistance and feedback as needed.

Closure

• Review the key concepts of comparing fractions and decimals, including how to determine which is larger and which is smaller and how to use the symbols >= and < to express this.
• Ask the students to share one thing they learned about comparing fractions and decimals during the activity.

Assessment

• Observe the students during the independent practice and provide feedback on their use of the symbols >= and < to express which is larger and which is smaller.
• Collect the students' graphs and evaluate their use of the proper scale and the accuracy of their calculations.
• Have the students complete a short written reflection about the activity, including what they learned and what they found challenging about it.