Compare Fractions
10 min
Narrative
The purpose of an Estimation Exploration is to practice the skill of estimating a reasonable answer, based on experience and known information. In this Estimation Exploration, students apply what they know about fractions to estimate the length of an insect that is less than 1 inch.
Launch
- Groups of 2
- Display the image.
- “What is an estimate that’s too high? Too low? About right?”
- 1 minute: quiet think time
Teacher Instructions
- “Discuss your thinking with your partner.”
- 1 minute: partner discussion
- Record responses.
Student Task
What is the length of this ladybug?
Record an estimate that is:
| too low | about right | too high |
|---|---|---|
Solution Steps (5)
- 1Observe ladybug relative to 1-inch reference→Ladybug appears to be less than 1 inch long
- 2Estimate too low value→1/4 inch or less (too small)
- 3Estimate about right value→Between 1/4 and 1/2 inch (reasonable)
- 4Estimate too high value→3/4 inch or greater (too large)
- 5Compare fraction estimates→1/4 < 1/2 < 3/4 helps bracket the actual length
Sample Response
Sample responses:
- Too low: 41 inch or less
- About right: between 41 and 21 inch
- Too high: 43 inch or greater
Activity Synthesis (Teacher Notes)
Consider asking:
- “Is anyone’s estimate less than 41 inch? Is anyone’s estimate greater than 21 inch?”
- “Based on this discussion, does anyone want to revise their estimate?”
Standards
Building On
- 3.NF.2·Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.
- 3.NF.A.2·Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.
Building Toward
- 3.MD.4·Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units— whole numbers, halves, or quarters.
- 3.MD.B.4·Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units–-whole numbers, halves, or quarters.
15 min
15 min
Knowledge Components
All skills for this lesson
Role Legend
Target
Essential
Supporting
Foundational
All lesson KCs
6 skills
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Compare Fractions
10 min
Narrative
The purpose of an Estimation Exploration is to practice the skill of estimating a reasonable answer, based on experience and known information. In this Estimation Exploration, students apply what they know about fractions to estimate the length of an insect that is less than 1 inch.
Launch
- Groups of 2
- Display the image.
- “What is an estimate that’s too high? Too low? About right?”
- 1 minute: quiet think time
Teacher Instructions
- “Discuss your thinking with your partner.”
- 1 minute: partner discussion
- Record responses.
Student Task
What is the length of this ladybug?
Record an estimate that is:
| too low | about right | too high |
|---|---|---|
Solution Steps (5)
- 1Observe ladybug relative to 1-inch reference→Ladybug appears to be less than 1 inch long
- 2Estimate too low value→1/4 inch or less (too small)
- 3Estimate about right value→Between 1/4 and 1/2 inch (reasonable)
- 4Estimate too high value→3/4 inch or greater (too large)
- 5Compare fraction estimates→1/4 < 1/2 < 3/4 helps bracket the actual length
Sample Response
Sample responses:
- Too low: 41 inch or less
- About right: between 41 and 21 inch
- Too high: 43 inch or greater
Activity Synthesis (Teacher Notes)
Consider asking:
- “Is anyone’s estimate less than 41 inch? Is anyone’s estimate greater than 21 inch?”
- “Based on this discussion, does anyone want to revise their estimate?”
Standards
Building On
- 3.NF.2·Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.
- 3.NF.A.2·Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram.
Building Toward
- 3.MD.4·Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units— whole numbers, halves, or quarters.
- 3.MD.B.4·Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by making a line plot, where the horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units–-whole numbers, halves, or quarters.