Lesson Plan: Adding Unlike Fractions
Course Data
Date: February 24, 2010
Grade Level: 4
Lesson Topic: Adding Unlike Denominators
Materials
Fraction Bars
Flipchart
Worksheet
Problems for group work
Cups
Cereal
Flipbooks
Lesson Objectives
TSWBAT add fractions with unlike denominators.
TSWBAT find equivalent fractions.
TSWBAT identify the LCM of two numbers.
TSWBAT synthesize the steps involved in adding fractions with unlike denominators using a flipchart.
TN curriculum standards
SPI 0406.2.8 Add and subtract proper fractions with like and unlike denominators and simplify the answer.
Anticipatory Set/Focus
Have cups with ½, ¼, or 1/8 marked. Pour ¼ of a cup of cereal into an unmarked cup twice and ask the students how much is in the cup (2/4 or 1/2). Then, pour ½ of a cup and 1/8 of a cup into the empty unmarked cup and ask the students if they know how much is in the cup now. What do you notice about those fractions? Today, we are going to be adding fractions with unlike denominators.
Instruction
Have students take out their fraction bars and find the ½ and 1/8 pieces. (Demonstrate on the board). Have the students try to find a way to add the two fractions (HINT: All of the pieces need to be the same color).
Have the students take out their flipbooks and fill it in as a class. Go over the steps as the students are filling out the flipchart
Closure
There will be two groups led by an adult while the third group works on a worksheet at their desk. Adults will transition among groups
Accommodations/Differentiated Learning Experiences
The students are using manipulatives to help enhance learning. Flipchart serves as a math journal to help them break the complex process down into pieces.
REVIEW
Have students draw a domino. Hold the domino so that it looks like a fraction. Have them do one of the following:
· Simplify the fraction on the domino
· Find an equivalent fraction
· Find the LCM of the two numbers on the domino
PRACTICE
Give students sample problems to work with the fraction bars then on the white board.
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