Intern Name: Cegan Hinson

Lesson Title (Subject/Topic): Comparing Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Grade: 3rd
Length of Lesson: 30-45 min.
Date Taught: 3/25/19

In this lesson…
Overview Students will learn strategies to help them compare fractions with unlike
denominators.
Standards of SOL 3.3c:​ The student will compare fractions having like and unlike
denominators, using words and symbols.
Learning
What strategies can be used to compare fractions with unlike denominators?
Essential Questions
Students will be able to determine if two fractions with unlike denominators are
Objectives greater than, less than, or equal to one another.
Learning Target I can compare fractions with different denominators using two strategies.
● The parts of a fraction (numerator and denominator)
● Comparing fractions with the same denominator:
Necessary Prior ○ Using symbols (>, <, and =)
○ Using words (greater than, less than, equal to)
Knowledge ● Using diagrams to compare fractions with like denominators:
○ Shading parts of a shape
○ Number line
Materials Comparing Unlike Fractions Practice Worksheet
The teacher will review strategies for comparing fractions with like denominators
with the students, either using examples on the board or through an oral quiz.
Introduction/Hook After reviewing a few of these problems, the teacher will ask the students to
compare two fractions with unlike denominators.
The teacher will introduce the students to the following strategies for comparing
fractions with unlike denominators:
● Shading Diagrams
Students will compare unlike fractions by shading in diagrams. Two
diagrams of the same shape and size are divided into different, equal
parts. The students will shade those diagrams to show how each fraction
compares.
Instructional Example Problem: ¾ ___ ⅝
Activities &
Strategies

Solution: ¾ > ⅝

Adapted from the Teacher Cadet Curriculum, Property of CERRA—South Carolina © 2004, and/or the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow Curriculum
John M. Merritt, English Teacher at Kellam High School (Virginia Beach City Public Schools)
 ● Number Line
Students will compare unlike fractions by labeling fractions on a number
line. The number line ranges from 0 to 1, and students add their own
marks to indicate the position of each fraction on that number line.
Example Problem: ⅔ ____ ⅞

Solution: ⅔ < ⅞

The students will then practice using these strategies with the ​Comparing Unlike
Fractions Practice Worksheet​.
Once the students have finished their worksheet, go over the bonus problem with
Closure Activity the whole class. Ask the students what strategy they used to solve this problem,
or if they came up with their own strategy.
● Fractions with Unlike Denominators: ​Two fractions that have different
numbers in their denominator.
Key Vocabulary or ● Diagram Method: ​A strategy for comparing fractions that involves
shading in shapes divided into equal parts.
Concepts ● Number Line Method: ​A strategy for comparing fractions that involves
labeling fractions on a number line based on where they are located
between 0 and 1.
The worksheet may be graded to determine the student’s understanding of the
Assessments lesson.
Accommodations None

Adapted from the Teacher Cadet Curriculum, Property of CERRA—South Carolina © 2004, and/or the Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow Curriculum
John M. Merritt, English Teacher at Kellam High School (Virginia Beach City Public Schools)