Fraction Freebies

STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.

Label each point on the number lines below, including the values of 1 whole

Fraction Predict and Compare is a critical thinking activity for partners in which they predict which of two fractions is larger, discuss their responses, and compare fraction bars to check their answers. It works well as an introduction to comparing fractions and will allow you to assess your students' readiness for the lessons ahead. Based on your observations, you can adjust the amount of time you spend reviewing or teaching your students how to compare fractions.

Penguin Fraction Predictions is a whole group lesson involving frequent interaction between the teacher and his or her students. It also makes a great math center game or a partner review activity at the end of a fraction unit.

(Ordering Fractions Activity)

Work with a partner to complete this activity. For each set of fractions, each person draws a number line on his or her dry erase board and places the fractions where they belong. Compare with your partner. If you don’t agree, draw pictures or use another strategy to figure out the proper position of each fraction. Finally, write your answers on the number lines below.

Materials: Dry Erase Boards & Markers, Fraction Spinner, One set of Fraction Bars or other fraction manipulatives (halves, thirds, fourths, sixths, and eighths)

What would you do with one of these fraction spinners? They're perfect for creating fraction center games or cooperative learning activities. I suggest having students play with a partner rather than in teams so they'll be more actively involved. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Ready-to-use Lessons, Task Cards, Printables, and More!

Show the class the Pizza Problem (an overhead transparency works well). Give them time to think of their own answer, then pair with a partner to discuss it. Finally, ask teams to discuss their ideas together. Hopefully they will figure out that it depends on which pizza slices each person takes. It’s possible that 4 pieces of pizza might be the same amount as 3 pieces if the 4 pieces are smaller. This particular pizza is not cut into equal pieces.