Comparing Fractions Lesson Plan: Fractions

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This lesson accompanies the BrainPOP topic Comparing Fractions. It supports the standard of comparing two fractions with different numerators and different denominators using strategies such as creating common denominators or numerators, or comparing to a benchmark fraction. Students demonstrate understanding through a variety of projects.

Step 1: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

Display representations of equivalent fractions, like these:

Ask students:

• What do you notice about the way the two shapes are split up?
• How are the shapes alike?

Step 2: BUILD KNOWLEDGE

• Read the description on the Comparing Fractions topic page.
• Play the Movie, pausing to check for understanding.
  

Step 3: APPLY and ASSESS 

Assign Comparing Fractions Challenge and Quiz, prompting students to apply essential literacy skills while demonstrating what they learned about this topic.

Step 4: DEEPEN and EXTEND

Students express what they learned about comparing fractions while practicing essential literacy skills with one or more of the following activities. Differentiate by assigning ones that meet individual student needs.

• Make-a-Movie: Produce a tutorial that explains why, when comparing fractions, the number with the larger numerator is not always greater.
• Make-a-Map: Create a concept map identifying the steps to compare fractions using common denominators.
• Creative Coding: Code a math problem involving comparing fractions, then challenge a classmate to solve it. 

More to Explore 

Satisfraction: ​​Challenge students to create increasingly complex fractions by manipulating shapes in this learning game.  

Related BrainPOP Topics: Deepen understanding of non-integers with these topics: Adding and Subtracting Fractions, Mixed Numbers, and Comparing Decimals.

Teacher Support Resources:

• Pause Point Overview: Video tutorial showing how Pause Points actively engage students to stop, think, and express ideas. 
• Learning Activities Modifications: Strategies to meet ELL and other instructional and student needs.
• Learning Activities Support: Resources for best practices using BrainPOP.