Fraction Fun: Linking Number Lines and Fraction Bars!

Mathematics Grades 4th Grade 3:20 Video
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Lesson Description

Explore fractions using number lines and fraction bars. See how they connect and make fractions easier to understand!

Video Resource

Relating number lines to fraction bars

Khan Academy

Duration: 3:20
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Fractions as parts of a whole
  • Representing fractions on a number line
  • Connecting fraction bars and number lines
  • Understanding denominators as equal parts of a whole

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify fractions on a number line.
  • Students will be able to relate fraction bars to number lines to understand fraction values.
  • Students will be able to determine the fraction represented by a point on a number line.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing what fractions are and how they represent parts of a whole. Ask students for examples of fractions they see in their daily lives (e.g., half a sandwich, a quarter of a pizza).
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Relating number lines to fraction bars'. Instruct students to pay close attention to how the instructor connects the visual representation of fraction bars with the number line.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through examples similar to those in the video. Draw a number line and a corresponding fraction bar on the board. Ask students to help you identify fractions at different points on the number line and shade in the equivalent fraction on the fraction bar. For example, divide both into fourths and have the students identify 1/4, 2/4, and 3/4.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Provide students with a worksheet containing number lines and fraction bars. Have them identify the fractions represented at different points or shade in the fraction bar to match a given point on the number line.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts of the lesson. Ask students to explain in their own words how fraction bars and number lines help them understand fractions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Fraction Bar Matching Game
    Create cards with different fractions represented as fraction bars and other cards showing the same fractions on a number line. Have students match the corresponding cards.
  • Number Line Hop
    Draw a large number line on the floor. Call out fractions and have students hop to the correct location on the number line.

Discussion Questions

  • How does a number line help us understand fractions?
  • How is a fraction bar similar to a number line when we are working with fractions?
  • Can you think of a time when you have used fractions in your daily life?
  • What does the denominator of a fraction tell us?

Skills Developed

  • Fraction identification
  • Visual representation of fractions
  • Connecting abstract concepts to visual models
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

A number line is divided into 5 equal parts between 0 and 1. What fraction is at the second mark?

Correct Answer: 2/5

Question 2:

Which fraction is shown by shading in 3 out of 4 parts of a fraction bar?

Correct Answer: 3/4

Question 3:

On a number line, if the space between 0 and 1 is split into 6 equal sections, what is each section called?

Correct Answer: Sixths

Question 4:

If point A is at 1/3 on a number line, and point B is at 2/3, how many thirds are between point A and 1?

Correct Answer: One

Question 5:

A fraction bar is divided into 8 equal pieces. If 5 pieces are shaded, what fraction is shown?

Correct Answer: 5/8

Question 6:

Which of the following shows one whole on a number line?

Correct Answer: 0 to 1

Question 7:

A number line has points at 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4. Which point is the same as one whole?

Correct Answer: 4/4

Question 8:

Which fraction bar shows the same amount as 1/2 on a number line?

Correct Answer: A bar divided into 2, 1 shaded

Question 9:

If a number line is split into 10 equal parts, what fraction does each part represent?

Correct Answer: Tenths

Question 10:

You have a fraction bar divided into 4 equal parts. If you shade 2 of them, what fraction did you shade?

Correct Answer: 1/2

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The bottom number of a fraction is called the ___________.

Correct Answer: denominator

Question 2:

A fraction bar is a rectangle that shows parts of a ________.

Correct Answer: whole

Question 3:

A number line is split into equal parts to show different __________.

Correct Answer: fractions

Question 4:

The top number of a fraction is called the ___________.

Correct Answer: numerator

Question 5:

If a fraction bar is divided into 3 equal parts, each part is called a __________.

Correct Answer: third

Question 6:

When the numerator and denominator are the same, the fraction is equal to ________.

Correct Answer: one

Question 7:

A fraction bar helps you ___________ a fraction.

Correct Answer: visualize

Question 8:

A number line goes from zero to ______.

Correct Answer: one

Question 9:

If you shade half of a fraction bar, you shaded __________.

Correct Answer: 1/2

Question 10:

The space between 0 and 1 on a number line represents a _________.

Correct Answer: whole

Educational Standards

4.N.3.1:[Objective] Represent and rename equivalent fractions using fraction models (e.g., parts of a set, area models, fraction strips, number lines). 4.N.3.2:[Objective] 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.

Teaching Materials

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