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Expanding our pattern block fraction repertoire

In this lesson, the students expand the number of fractions they can represent with pattern blocks by increasing the whole. Illuminations provides an activity sheet, links to related web resources, and instructions for completing the lesson. In small groups,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Exploring the value of the whole

This lesson focuses on the relationship between parts and the whole. These relationships were developed earlier and require the students to consider the size or value of the same fraction when different “wholes” are compared. This lesson promotes... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Inch by inch

Students use rulers to represent various fractions as lengths in this lesson. Once students demonstrate understanding that a fraction can be represented as part of a linear region, they describe part of a linear region using fractions and measure fractional... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Investigating equivalent fractions with relationship rods

Students investigate the length model by working with relationship rods to find equivalent fractions and develop skills in reasoning and problem solving as they explain how two fractions are equivalent (the same length). Illuminations provides an activity... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Investigating fraction relationships with relationship rods

Students use relationship rods to explore fraction relationships, which lays the foundation for work with more challenging fraction concepts. Illuminations provides an activity sheet and a fraction bars applet for completing the lesson. After engaging students... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Investigating fractions with pattern blocks

This lesson promotes problem solving and reasoning with fractions as students investigate the relationships between various parts and wholes. It also focuses on representation because students are given multiple opportunities to investigate the relative... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Making and investigating fraction strips

Students make and use a set of fraction strips to represent the length model, discover fraction relationships, and work with equivalent fractions. Illuminations provides instructions and a link to a fraction applet necessary to complete this activity. After... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

More fun with fraction strips

In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit, students continue to work with fraction strips to compare and order fractions. This lesson builds on the work done with fraction relationships in the previous lesson. Students develop skills in problem solving and... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Pattern block fractions

In this that lesson builds on the previous two lessons, students focus on the identification of fractional parts of a region and record them in standard form. Students continue to develop communication skills by working together to express their understanding... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations

Virtual pattern blocks

Students use virtual pattern blocks to problem solve and reason with fractions. They investigate relationships between parts and wholes using another representation of a region model, virtual fractions. Illuminations provides the activity sheet and links... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 3–4 Mathematics)

Provided by: Illuminations