Comparing Fractions: Alligators and Math!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 3:52 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to compare fractions using the greater than, less than, and equal to symbols. Discover how alligators help us remember which fraction is bigger!

Video Resource

Comparing Fractions Song | Less Than Greater Than | Ordering Fractions From Least to Greatest

Math Songs by NUMBEROCK

Duration: 3:52
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Comparing fractions
  • Greater than (>), less than (<), and equal to (=) symbols
  • Equivalent fractions

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to compare two fractions using the greater than, less than, or equal to symbols.
  • Students will be able to identify the larger fraction when given two fractions.
  • Students will understand the meaning of equivalent fractions.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about fractions. Review the parts of a fraction (numerator and denominator). Introduce the concept of comparing fractions and why it's important.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the NUMBEROCK video 'Comparing Fractions Song'. Encourage students to sing along and pay attention to how the alligator helps compare fractions.
  • Discussion (10 mins)
    After the video, discuss the main points. Ask students about the symbols used for comparing fractions and how the alligator helps them remember which fraction is greater. Review the concept of equivalent fractions as presented in the video.
  • Guided Practice (15 mins)
    Work through several examples of comparing fractions on the board. Use visual aids like fraction bars or circles to help students understand the relative sizes of the fractions. Include examples with like and unlike denominators, emphasizing the need to find common denominators or use benchmark fractions for comparison when denominators are different. Model the use of <, >, and = symbols.
  • Independent Practice (15 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet or online activity where they can practice comparing fractions on their own. Include problems with different denominators and equivalent fractions.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to summarize what they learned about comparing fractions and using the symbols <, >, and =. Preview upcoming lessons on fractions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Fraction Comparison Game
    Play an online fraction comparison game where students compete to identify the larger fraction in a pair. This can be done individually or in teams.
  • Fraction Bar Activity
    Provide students with pre-made fraction bars or have them create their own. They can then use the fraction bars to visually compare different fractions and determine which is greater, less than, or equal to.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the alligator in the video help us remember which fraction is bigger?
  • What does it mean for two fractions to be equivalent?
  • How can you compare fractions that have different denominators?

Skills Developed

  • Comparing fractions
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which symbol means 'greater than'?

Correct Answer: >

Question 2:

Which fraction is bigger: 1/2 or 1/4?

Correct Answer: 1/2

Question 3:

Which symbol means 'less than'?

Correct Answer: <

Question 4:

Which fraction is bigger: 2/6 or 5/6?

Correct Answer: 5/6

Question 5:

What does it mean if two fractions are equivalent?

Correct Answer: They are the same size

Question 6:

Which symbol shows that two fractions are equal?

Correct Answer: =

Question 7:

Which fraction is smaller: 3/8 or 5/8?

Correct Answer: 3/8

Question 8:

Which is correct: 1/3 _ 2/3?

Correct Answer: <

Question 9:

Which is the bigger fraction: 4/4 or 2/2?

Correct Answer: They are equal

Question 10:

What tool can help you compare fractions?

Correct Answer: Fraction bars

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The symbol > means ________ than.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 2:

The symbol < means ________ than.

Correct Answer: less

Question 3:

Fractions that are the same size are called ________ fractions.

Correct Answer: equivalent

Question 4:

1/2 is ________ than 1/4.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 5:

3/6 is ________ to 1/2.

Correct Answer: equal

Question 6:

The open side of the > symbol points to the ________ fraction.

Correct Answer: larger

Question 7:

5/8 is ________ than 2/8.

Correct Answer: greater

Question 8:

When comparing fractions with the same denominator, the fraction with the ________ numerator is larger.

Correct Answer: bigger

Question 9:

1/3 is ________ than 2/3.

Correct Answer: less

Question 10:

To compare fractions with different denominators, you might need to find a ________ denominator.

Correct Answer: common

Educational Standards

4.N.3.3:Use models to order and compare whole numbers and fractions less than and greater than one, using comparative language and symbols. 4.N.3.2:Use benchmark fractions (0, 1/2, 1/4, 1/3, 2/3, 3/4, 1) to locate additional fractions with denominators up to twelfths on a number line. 4.N.3.1:Represent and rename equivalent fractions using fraction models (e.g., parts of a set, area models, fraction strips, number lines).

Teaching Materials

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