5th Grade Equivalent Fractions Lesson Plan (Math)

Topic: Equivalent Fractions

Objectives & Outcomes

• Identify the concept of equivalent fractions and be able to determine when two or more fractions are equivalent.
• Obtain fractions equivalent to a given fraction.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts with fractions divided into smaller equal parts (e.g. 1/3 = 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0)
• Calculator (optional)

Warm-up

• Review fractions with the class. Ask the students to give examples of fractions they have seen before, such as 1/2 and 1/4.
• Ask the students if they can think of any fractions that are equal to each other. Write down their suggestions on the board.
• Explain that fractions can be equal to each other without having the same denominator (bottom number). Fractions with the same denominator are called equivalent fractions.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of equivalent fractions. Explain that two fractions are equivalent if they have the same numerator (top number) and the same denominator.
• Demonstrate how to find equivalent fractions using cross multiplication. For example, if we want to find equivalent fractions for 2/3, we multiply both top numbers (2 x 3 = 6) and then multiply both bottom numbers (3 x 2 = 6). This gives us 6/6, which is equivalent to 2/3.
• Show how to use the factorization method to find equivalent fractions. For example, if we want to find equivalent fractions for 3/5, we can factor out a 3 from the numerator and a 5 from the denominator to get 3(5)/5(3). This gives us 15/15, which is equivalent to 3/5.
• Explain that we can also find equivalent fractions by using the fractional equivalent of a decimal. For example, 3/5 is equivalent to 0.6/1. This is because 0.6 x 1 = 0.6, and 0.6 x 1 = 0.6.

Guided Practice

• Have the students work in pairs and provide them with a set of fraction cards. Have them identify which fractions are equivalent and explain their reasoning.
• Have the students work in small groups and use the factorization method to find equivalent fractions for given fractions.

Independent Practice

• Have the students choose a fraction to investigate (for example, -1/3). Have them find as many equivalent fractions for this fraction as they can. They can use the factorization method or the multiplication method.
• Have the students create a poster or presentation to share with the class their findings and explain how they obtained their equivalent fractions.

Closure

• Review the concept of equivalent fractions and the methods for obtaining them.
• Ask the students to give examples of situations where it would be helpful to have equivalent fractions.

Assessment

• Observe the students during the guided and independent practice to ensure they are able to identify equivalent fractions and obtain the correct fractions.
• Collect and review the independent practice worksheets to assess the students' ability to understand and apply the concept of equivalent fractions.