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Grade: Elementary
Subject: Mathematics

#3643. Ordering Fractions and Decimals

Mathematics, level: Elementary
Posted Thu Feb 2 14:17:01 PST 2006 by Jessica Smith (smithjl.pickens.k12.sc.us).
Liberty Elementary School, Liberty, SC, USA
Materials Required: index cards, string, markers, hole punch, notebook paper, pencils
Activity Time: 20-30 minutes
Concepts Taught: Comparing and Ordering Fractions and Decimals

Objective: The students will demonstrate the ability to order fractions and decimals.

South Carolina State Standards (Fourth Grade): Number and Operations I.A.2, I.D.2, I.E.1, I.E.2, I.E.3

SET: Students will need to know how to compare and order fractions of like and unlike denominators as well as various decimal amounts before participating in this lesson.

Procedures:
1. Students will be given four fractions and/or decimals with unlike values (example: 1/2, 4/10, 0.3, 0.9).
2. Students will convert all of the numbers to fractions or all of the numbers to decimals so that they can be compared evenly.
3. Students will order the numbers from least to greatest on their papers.
4. Four students will be given necklace index cards (index cards attached to string) with one of the four fractions or decimals printed on them. These four students will go to the front of the classroom and place themselves in order from least to greatest.
5. Students remaining in their seats will determine if the standing students have ordered their numbers correctly.
6. The four standing students will return to their seats, and everyone will be given four new fractions and/or decimals to order from least to greatest on their papers.
7. Four new students will be chosen to go to the front of the classroom to order themselves from least to greatest.
8. Repeat steps 1-7 until all students have had the opportunity to go to the front of the classroom to participate.

Modifications/Extensions:
1. Allow students to order only fractions with common denominators.
2. Allow students to order only decimals.
3. Allow students to order numbers from greatest to least instead of least to greatest.
4. Allow students to order more than four numbers at one time.

Assessment:
1. Peer Assessment--The students who remain seated will determine if the standing students have correctly ordered their numbers.
2. Observation--The teacher will use observation to determine if students know how to correctly order fractions and decimals.