Fractions

Lesson 20

Math

Unit 6

3rd Grade

Lesson 20 of 24

Objective


Understand fractions as numbers.

Common Core Standards


Core Standards

  • 3.NF.A — Develop understanding of fractions as numbers.

Criteria for Success


  1. Develop understanding for fractions as numbers.
  2. Justify why fractions are numbers using a variety of reasoning (MP.3).

Tips for Teachers


  • This lesson is intended to address the cluster level expectations for 3.NF.A, namely, “develop understanding of fractions and numbers.” Since Anchor Task #1 is quite extensive, it is the only Anchor Task for the lesson. The lesson could consist entirely of the discussion regarding Anchor Task #1, or a Problem Set and Extra Practice Problems can be designed to review much of the work of the unit. The Target Task is optional, as well, depending on whether Part B of Anchor Task #1 feels sufficient for students to demonstrate their understanding of fractions as numbers.
  • There is no Problem Set assigned for this lesson. The first task linked below is aligned to today’s objective. The rest of the resources are more of a comprehensive review or performance task addressing all of the content throughout the unit thus far. It is at your discretion which resources, if any, you use to create a Problem Set and Homework.
    • Open Middle, “How Many Numbers are There?
    • Inside Mathematics Formative Re-Engaging Lessons, “Interpreting Fractions” (Note: this lesson includes set models for fractions, which they are not expected to be familiar with in Grade 3. You could cut this portion of the lesson (Card Set D) or extend students’ understanding of fractions to include it in preparation for Grades 4 and 5.)
    • SFUSD Grade 3 Unit 8 Milestone Task, “3.8 Milestone Task School Garden BLM" (Note: this resource is extremely similar to the previous one.)
    • Kentucky Department of Education Formative Assessment Lesson, "Fractions on a Number Line"
    • Louisiana Believes Instructional Task, “Five Sisters Running a Race” in 3rd Grade Instructional Tasks
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Anchor Tasks

25-30 minutes


Artie said: “Choose a number between 1 and 10.

Kay said: “$$\frac{3}{2}$$.”

Artie: “That’s not a number! It’s a fraction.”

Kay: “But fractions are numbers!”

a.   Are fractions numbers? Take this quiz and decide.

i. Is it possible to place a fraction on the number line?

Yes No Don't Know

ii. Is it possible for a fraction to equal a whole number?

Yes No Don't Know

iii. Is it possible to add two fractions?

Yes No Don't Know

iv. Is it possible to add a fraction and a whole number?

Yes No Don't Know

v. Is it possible to add two fractions and have the sum be a whole number?

Yes No Don't Know

b.   Based on your answers, do you agree with Artie or with Kay? Write one or two sentences to explain why.

Guiding Questions

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Student Response

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References

Achieve the Core Are Fractions Numbers?

Are Fractions Numbers? by Student Achievement Partners is made available by Achieve the Core under the CC0 1.0 license. Accessed March 19, 2019, 11:38 a.m..

Modified by Fishtank Learning, Inc.

Target Task

5-10 minutes


Are fractions numbers? Explain why or why not.

Student Response

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Additional Practice


The Extra Practice Problems can be used as additional practice for homework, during an intervention block, etc. Daily Word Problems and Fluency Activities are aligned to the content of the unit but not necessarily to the lesson objective, therefore feel free to use them anytime during your school day.

Word Problems and Fluency Activities

Word Problems and Fluency Activities

Help students strengthen their application and fluency skills with daily word problem practice and content-aligned fluency activities.

Next

Measure lengths to the nearest half inch.

Lesson 21
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Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Topic A: Understanding Unit Fractions and Building Non-Unit Fractions

Topic B: Fractions on a Number Line

Topic C: Equivalent Fractions

Topic D: Comparing Fractions

Topic E: Line Plots

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