LESSON PLAN
INTRO TO FRACTIONS USING THE NUMBER LINE
GRADES 3-5
SUMMARY
This lesson will introduce the concept of representing fractions on a number line. It will focus on partitioning the space
between 0 and 1 into halves, thirds, quarters, sixths, and eights, as well as how to use a number line to represent the
part-whole relationship of a fraction.
COMMON CORE STANDARD(S)
3.NF.A.1 Understand a fraction b1 as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts;
understand a fraction ba as the quantity formed by a parts of size b1.
3.NF.A.2.a Represent a fraction b1 on a number line diagram by defining the interval from 0 to 1 as the whole and
partitioning it into b equal parts. Recognize that each part has size b1 and that the endpoint of the part based
at 0 locates the number b1 on the number line.
3.NF.A.2.b Represent a fraction ba on a number line diagram by marking off a lengths b1 from 0. Recognize that the
resulting interval has size ba and that its endpoint locates the number ba on the number line.
DURATION
Two 45-minute classroom periods
Engage and Explore, Explain, Elaborate page 1—one 45-minute classroom period
Elaborate page 2, Evaluate—second 45-minute classroom period
MATERIALS
Construction paper cut into squares, circles, and equilateral triangles (three of each shape per student)
Markers
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ENGAGE AND EXPLORE
In this exercise, students will activate their prior knowledge of partitioning geometric shapes into equal parts to create
halves, thirds, and fourths. Have students work in small groups. Each group must try to find as many ways as possible to
partition each shape into halves, thirds, and fourths. Have students fold the shapes and mark the creases with a marker.
Then have them label the parts as halves, thirds, or fourths. Remind students that each part must have the same size.
Once the groups have folded, marked, and labeled their shapes, have them present their shapes to the class. Keep a
sketch of each new partition on the board.
EXPLAIN
WATCH THE GENERATION GENIUS INTRO TO FRACTIONS USING
THE NUMBER LINE VIDEO AS A GROUP
Facilitate a conversation using the Discussion Questions.
ELABORATE
Direct students to use their new understanding to complete the practice problem worksheets. Page 1 contains bare
mathematical problems to solidify understanding of the process. Page 2 contains application problems for students to
apply the process to solve real-world problems.
EVALUATE
Have students gather in groups of 2 or 4 to compare and discuss their answers to the problems. Allow students
enough time to communicate with their peers about their process and their thinking. Encourage students to use
correct mathematical language when discussing their process. Have each group choose two questions they want more
information about, or they want to discuss as a class.
When groups are ready, take questions from students. Encourage groups to answer questions brought up by other
groups.
Students can play the online Kahoot! quiz game located below the video. It provides downloadable scores at the end
of the quiz game. Alternatively, you can use the paper quiz, or the exit ticket questions. All these resources are located
below the video in the assessment section.
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