Dividing Decimals Lesson Plan
In this lesson plan, adaptable for grades 3-8, students use BrainPOP resources to explore the strategies for dividing decimals.
Students will:
- Make real life connections for the skill of dividing decimals.
- Learn how to divide decimals.
- Practice dividing decimals
Materials:
- Internet access for BrainPOP
- Interactive whiteboard
Vocabulary:
Preparation:
- Preview the movie Dividing Decimals to plan for adaptations.
Lesson Procedure:
- Tell students that today they will explore the concept of dividing decimals. Ask the class to brainstorm a time when they needed to divide a decimal, such as an amount of money. If necessary, prompt them by giving, such as “Last night my friend and I want out for dinner. The total was $24.12. We had to divide the decimal in two to figure out how much we each owed.” Write down students’ examples on the board.
- Ask students their strategies for dividing decimals. Write these ideas on the board, too.
- After everyone has had a chance to share, show the movie Dividing Decimals to the whole class, or have pairs watch on their own computer or devices.
- After watching, have students practice dividing decimals by completing the Worksheet exercise. If time allows, have them also complete the Graphic Organizer, or assign it for homework.
- Bring the class together again to share their results of the worksheet exercises. Invite volunteers to come up to the whiteboard to show how they calculated the answer.
Extension Activities:
Challenge students to create their own BrainPOP-style videos or screencasts explaining the process for dividing decimals.Discover the origin of the word decimal, where the division sign came from, and more by exploring the Related Readings.