Progressive Mathematics Initiative

Mathematics Curriculum
Unit Plan # 5
Title: Fractions
Grade Level: 3 / Length of Time: 6weeks
Unit Summary: This unit will develop the use of fractions and fraction notation, and help children develop the understanding of equivalent fractions. Fractions are a part of a whole and are used in measurement. In this unit number line diagrams will be introduced and used to show and demonstrate the value of a fraction. The ruler will also be used to measure lengths and estimate the measurement of various objects and distances to the nearest half and quarter of an inch.
Learning Targets
Domain: Number and Operations-Fractions 3.NF
Cluster:
Develop understanding of fractions as numbers
Standard #s: / Standards:
3.NF.1 / Understand a fraction 1 / b as the quantity formed by one part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts: understand a fraction a / b as the quantity formed by parts of size 1/b.
3.NF.2 / Understand a fraction as a number on the number line; represent fractions on a number line diagram
  1. Represent a fractions 1/ b on a number line diagram by defining the interval from zero to one as the whole and portioning it into b equal parts. Recognize that each part has size 1/b and that the end point of the part based at zero locates the number 1/ b on the number line.
Represent a fraction a/b on a number line diagram by marking off lengths 1/b from zero recognize that the resulting interval has size a/b and that its endpoint locates the number a/b on the number line.
3.NF.3 / Explain equivalents of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.
  1. Understand two fractions as equivalent (equal) if they are the same size, or the same point on the number line.
  2. Recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions. Explain why the fractions are equivalent.
  3. Express whole numbers fractions, and recognize fractions that are equivalent to whole numbers.
  4. Compare two fractions with the same numerators or the same denominators by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of the comparisons with the symbols <, , or = and justify the conclusions.

Domain: Measurement and Data 3.MD
Cluster:
Represent and interpret data
Standard #: / Standard:
3.MD.4 / Generate measurement data by measuring lengths using rulers marked with halves and fourths of an inch. Show the data by marking a line plot with a horizontal scale is marked off in appropriate units-whole numbers halves and quart.
Unit Essential Questions:
  • HowWhat are equal parts of a whole?
  • Why do you need to know how to make equal shares?
  • What do the top and bottom numbers of a fraction tell you?
  • How can you tell if a fraction is equal to another fraction?
  • What strategies can you use to compare two fractions using <,, or = symbols?
  • How do you read a ruler?
/ Unit Enduring Understandings:
  • Recognize that fractions are a part of a whole.
  • Equal parts of a whole are used when writing/drawing a fraction.
  • Using multiplication and division fractions can be equivalent quantities of the same whole group.
  • You can use a number line diagram to locate and compare fractions.
  • A strong understanding of fractions is helpful when a using a ruler.

Evidence of Learning
Unit Objectives:
  • Students will explore and identify equal parts of a whole
  • Students will divide models to make equal shares
  • Students will use a fraction to name one part of a whole that is divided into equal parts
  • Students will model read and write fractional parts of a group
  • Students will find fractional parts of a group
  • Student will use a number line diagram to locate and compare fractions
  • Students will measure length to the nearest half inch, quarter inch.

Formative Assessments:
  • SMART Response Questions used throughout unit
  • Quizzes

Summative Assessment:
  • Unit Test

Lesson Plan
Topics / Timeframe
Topic #1: Equal parts of a whole/equal shares / 1 day
Topic #2: Find a part of a group / 2 days
Topic #3: Exploring fractions with pattern blocks/ Quiz #1 / 1 day
Topic #4: Order Fractions using a number line/ Quiz #2 / 4 days
Topic #5: Compare fractions with the same denominators or the same numerators / 5 days
Topic #6: Compare fractions using benchmarks/ Quiz #3 / 3 days
Topic #7: Model equivalent fractions and recognize equivalent fractions
Lab: RAFT- Flip Over Fractions
Quiz #4 / 4 days
Topic #8: Whole number fractions
Quiz #5 / 3 days
Topic #9: Measure a line to the nearest half inch and quarter inch
Quiz #6 / 5 days
Review and Unit Test / 2 days
Curriculum Resources