Lesson Plan | Traditional Methodology | Fractions: Comparison

Objectives

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide a clear and objective overview of the main objectives of the lesson, ensuring that students understand what is expected of them to learn and achieve by the end of the lesson. This establishes a solid foundation for understanding the content that will be covered and allows students to focus on the key points of the lesson.

Main Objectives

1. Understand the concept of fractions and the importance of comparing different fractions.

2. Learn how to put fractions with different denominators on the same denominator to facilitate comparison.

3. Order fractions from largest to smallest and vice versa.

Introduction

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to capture the students' interest and provide a concrete and understandable starting point for the study of fractions. By relating the topic to everyday situations, students will realize the importance and applicability of fractions, which will facilitate their understanding of the concepts that will be covered throughout the lesson.

Context

Start the lesson by explaining that fractions are present in various aspects of our daily lives. For example, when we divide a pizza into equal slices, we are dealing with fractions. Show an image of a pizza and ask the students how many slices they think make a whole pizza. This will help introduce the concept of fractions as parts of a whole.

Curiosities

Did you know that fractions are used in cooking recipes? When a recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar or 3/4 teaspoon of salt, we are using fractions to measure the ingredients accurately. Without fractions, it would be very difficult to follow recipes correctly!

Development

Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to provide students with a detailed understanding of the concepts of fractions, focusing on comparison and ordering. By explaining the topics clearly and providing practical examples, students will be able to apply what they have learned in various situations. The practical questions will help consolidate understanding and ensure that students know how to use the techniques taught to compare and order fractions.

Covered Topics

1. What are fractions? Explain that fractions represent parts of a whole. Use visual examples such as dividing a pizza or chocolate into equal parts. 2. Comparison of Fractions Detail how to compare fractions with the same and different denominators. Show that when the denominators are the same, the fraction with the larger numerator is the larger fraction. When the denominators are different, explain the need to find a common denominator. 3. How to find the Common Denominator Teach the technique of finding the least common multiple (LCM) to adjust the denominators of fractions. Demonstrate with practical examples, such as 1/4 and 1/6, showing the step-by-step process. 4. Ordering Fractions Show how to order fractions from smallest to largest or vice versa when all have the same denominator. Use practical examples to solidify understanding.

Classroom Questions

1. Compare the fractions 3/8 and 5/8. Which is larger? Explain your answer. 2. Find the common denominator and compare the fractions 2/3 and 3/4. Which is larger? 3. Order the following fractions from smallest to largest: 1/2, 3/8, 5/6, 1/3.

Questions Discussion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to ensure that students consolidate their understanding of the techniques for comparing and ordering fractions, as well as to encourage reflection on the learning process. The detailed discussion of the resolved questions helps clear doubts and reinforce the knowledge acquired. The engagement questions aim to stimulate critical thinking and relate the content to practical situations.

Discussion

• Compare the fractions 3/8 and 5/8. Which is larger? Explain your answer. The fractions have the same denominator (8). Therefore, the fraction with the larger numerator is the larger one. Thus, 5/8 is larger than 3/8.

• Find the common denominator and compare the fractions 2/3 and 3/4. Which is larger? First, find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 3 and 4, which is 12. Adjusting the fractions: 2/3 = 8/12; 3/4 = 9/12. Comparing 8/12 and 9/12, we see that 9/12 is larger, so 3/4 is larger than 2/3.

• Order the following fractions from smallest to largest: 1/2, 3/8, 5/6, 1/3. First, find the least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 2, 8, 6, and 3, which is 24. Adjusting the fractions: 1/2 = 12/24; 3/8 = 9/24; 5/6 = 20/24; 1/3 = 8/24. Ordering these adjusted fractions from smallest to largest: 1/3 (8/24), 3/8 (9/24), 1/2 (12/24), 5/6 (20/24).

Student Engagement

1. What was the hardest part about solving these comparisons and orderings of fractions? Why? 2. Can you think of other everyday situations where comparing fractions is useful? 3. How can we use the common denominator to solve problems in other areas of mathematics? 4. Do you think understanding fractions helps to better understand percentages and decimals? Why?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of this stage is to review and consolidate the main points covered in the lesson, ensuring that students have a clear understanding of the concepts taught. The conclusion also aims to reinforce the practical importance of the content studied and encourage students to reflect on how they can apply the knowledge acquired in their daily lives.

Summary

• Fractions represent parts of a whole.
• To compare fractions with the same denominators, just compare the numerators.
• To compare fractions with different denominators, it is necessary to find a common denominator.
• The method for finding the least common multiple (LCM) is fundamental for adjusting the denominators.
• Ordering fractions from smallest to largest or from largest to smallest becomes easier when all have the same denominator.

The lesson connected the theory of fractions with practice by using concrete examples, such as dividing a pizza, and problems solved step by step. This allowed students to visualize how fractions are applied in everyday situations and understand the importance of correctly comparing and ordering fractions.

Understanding fractions is essential for many daily activities, such as following cooking recipes, dividing objects equally, and calculating proportions. Furthermore, knowledge of fractions is the foundation for understanding more advanced concepts in mathematics, such as percentages and decimals.