Comparing & Ordering Positive Fractions & Decimals

Lesson

Grade

7
2 x 45 mins

Duration

Outcomes

[2] Compare and order positive fractions, positive decimals (to thousandths)
and whole numbers by using:
[2.a] benchmarks
[2.c] equivalent fractions and/or decimals.
[4] Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between positive
terminating decimals and positive fractions

Objectives

Students will be able to compare and order positive fractions and positive
decimals. Students will be able to understand the relationship between
positive terminating decimals and positive fractions.
An understanding of decimals and fractions.

Prior
Knowledge

Materials

You need a partner, a copy of the game board, and two different coloured
pencils.

Time

Tasks/Activities

15 mins

Revisit question from day 1. Allow students to further explore in groups and
then communicate with the class about their thoughts and findings. This will
prepare them to compare and order positive fractions and positive decimals.

Instructions:
5 mins

 Spiral Decimals Activity (NRICH)

https://nrich.maths.org/10326
Students will play this game in pairs, taking turns placing a
decimal number on the spiral between 0 and 1.
The first one to place three consecutive numbers wins.
This game can be expanded to a point where students can choose
their own endpoints and numbers to use.

.
Students play with decimals.
10 mins

15 mins

Mini-lesson: Use fractional benchmarks (non-repeating decimal

benchmarks) to estimate the ordering of fractions. In addition, students will
convert between decimals and fractions.
Students will play the Spiral Decimals Activity using fractions.

10 mins

15 mins

Extend Spiral Decimals Activity to have player 1 using only decimals and
player 2 using only fractions.

Players will then switch roles and play for another 15 mins.
15 mins

Plans for
Differentiation

Group work allow quiet and ELL students to interact and share their ideas
with familiar friends. The Spiral Decimals Activity has a table of numbers
and spiral graphics to provide visual aid for ELL students.
Gifted students will get to interact will multiple number systems at once and
come up with the most interesting answer. The two ends of the spiral game
can be extended to those gifted students.
They can be challenged with these questions:
Can you work out a winning strategy?
Does it matter who goes first?
Does it matter which number you choose first?
Can you make up a different set of numbers that would make the game
more challenging?
Perhaps you could have different start and end numbers for your spiral.

Assessment

Formative Assessment
The teacher will be able to pre-assess a students understanding for those in
the discussion of the first class (What is the smallest number that larger than
0?)
Conversational feedback from teacher and peers during the spiral game.
Mini lessons may be required if the teacher recognizes any misconceptions
during the game.