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Decimal Dash

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Lesson Plan

Decimal Dash

Students will be able to compare and order decimals to the hundredths place using concrete and pictorial models, and standard notation.

Understanding decimals is crucial for everyday life, from handling money to understanding measurements. This lesson will build a strong foundation for future math concepts and real-world problem-solving.

Audience

4th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Hands-on exploration and interactive practice.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Decimal Place Value Chart, Decimal Comparison Cards, Ordering Decimals Worksheet, and Answer Key: Ordering Decimals

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's a Decimal?

5 minutes

  1. Begin by displaying the first slide of the Decimal Dash Slide Deck.
    2. Ask students: 'When have you seen numbers with a decimal point outside of math class?' (e.g., prices, measurements, sports scores).
    3. Briefly review what a decimal represents (parts of a whole) and introduce the tenths and hundredths place using the slide.
    4. Distribute the Decimal Place Value Chart to each small group.

Step 2

Guided Practice: Comparing Decimals

10 minutes

  1. Using the Decimal Dash Slide Deck, guide students through comparing two decimals using the place value chart.
    2. Model placing two decimals on the chart and comparing them digit by digit from left to right.
    3. Facilitate a 'think-pair-share' using example decimals from the slides or Decimal Comparison Cards. Ask students to explain their reasoning.
    4. Encourage students to use terms like 'greater than,' 'less than,' or 'equal to.'

Step 3

Activity: Decimal Comparison Challenge

10 minutes

  1. Distribute a set of Decimal Comparison Cards to each small group.
    2. Explain that students will work in pairs to draw two cards and use their Decimal Place Value Chart to compare the decimals.
    3. Each pair records their comparison using <, >, or = on a separate sheet of paper (or mini-whiteboard).
    4. Circulate and provide support, prompting students to articulate their strategies.

Step 4

Independent Practice: Ordering Decimals

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the Ordering Decimals Worksheet to each student.
    2. Instruct students to work independently to order the decimals from least to greatest.
    3. Collect the worksheets at the end of the lesson for assessment. Use the Answer Key: Ordering Decimals for grading.
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Slide Deck

Decimal Dash: What Are Decimals?

Where do we see decimals in real life?

  • Money!
  • Measurements!
  • Sports Scores!

Decimals are parts of a whole!

Welcome students and introduce the day's topic: decimals! Ask engaging questions to activate prior knowledge and connect decimals to their everyday lives. Display the first slide to set the stage.

Understanding Decimal Place Value

Our Decimal Place Value Chart

  • Tenths Place: First digit after the decimal point (e.g., 0.5)
  • Hundredths Place: Second digit after the decimal point (e.g., 0.25)

Let's use our charts!

Introduce the place value chart for decimals. Explain tenths and hundredths places clearly. Emphasize that the decimal point separates whole numbers from parts of a whole. Distribute the Decimal Place Value Chart handout to each group.

Comparing Decimals: Step-by-Step

How do we compare 0.45 and 0.42?

  1. Line up the decimal points.
  2. Start comparing from the leftmost digit.
  3. Move right until you find a different digit.
  4. The number with the larger digit in that place value is the greater number!

Example: Which is greater: 0.7 or 0.65?

Model how to compare two decimals using the place value chart. Guide students through the process of comparing digits from left to right. Provide a clear example and prompt student participation. Use the Decimal Comparison Cards as examples for modeling.

Activity: Decimal Comparison Challenge!

Work with a partner!

  1. Draw two Decimal Comparison Cards.
  2. Use your Decimal Place Value Chart to help you compare.
  3. Write down your comparison using <, >, or =.
  4. Be ready to explain how you know!

Explain the Decimal Comparison Challenge activity. Clarify that students will work in pairs, draw cards, use their charts, and record their comparisons. Emphasize collaboration and explaining their reasoning. Circulate to assist groups.

Independent Practice: Ordering Decimals

Time to show what you know!

  • Work on your Ordering Decimals Worksheet independently.
  • Order the decimals from least to greatest.
  • Remember to think about place value!

Introduce the independent practice worksheet. Instruct students to order the decimals from least to greatest. Remind them to use their strategies learned during the lesson. Collect the worksheets at the end.

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Activity

Decimal Place Value Chart

Use this chart to help you compare and order decimals!

TensOnes.TenthsHundredths
.
.
.
.
.

How to use the chart:

  1. Write one digit in each box.
  2. Always line up the decimal points!
  3. Compare digits starting from the left (largest place value).
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Activity

Decimal Comparison Cards

Cut along the dotted lines to create individual decimal cards. Use these cards with your Decimal Place Value Chart to compare and order decimals!

0.25

0.50

0.12

0.21

0.78

0.87

0.05

0.55

0.30

0.03

0.99

0.10

0.40

0.04

0.61

0.16

0.7

0.70

0.8

0.08

0.33

0.44

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Worksheet

Ordering Decimals Worksheet

Directions: Order each set of decimals from least to greatest. Use your Decimal Place Value Chart to help you if needed!

Set 1

0.52, 0.25, 0.50

Order:





Set 2

0.18, 0.81, 0.08

Order:





Set 3

0.40, 0.04, 0.44

Order:





Set 4

0.73, 0.37, 0.70

Order:





Set 5

0.91, 0.19, 0.09

Order:





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Answer Key

Answer Key: Ordering Decimals

Here are the correct answers and reasoning for the Ordering Decimals Worksheet.

Set 1

Decimals: 0.52, 0.25, 0.50

Reasoning:

  1. Compare the tenths place: 0.25 has 2 tenths, while 0.52 and 0.50 both have 5 tenths. So, 0.25 is the smallest.
  2. For 0.52 and 0.50, compare the hundredths place: 0.50 has 0 hundredths, and 0.52 has 2 hundredths. So, 0.50 is smaller than 0.52.

Order: 0.25, 0.50, 0.52

Set 2

Decimals: 0.18, 0.81, 0.08

Reasoning:

  1. Compare the tenths place: 0.08 has 0 tenths, 0.18 has 1 tenth, and 0.81 has 8 tenths.

Order: 0.08, 0.18, 0.81

Set 3

Decimals: 0.40, 0.04, 0.44

Reasoning:

  1. Compare the tenths place: 0.04 has 0 tenths, while 0.40 and 0.44 both have 4 tenths. So, 0.04 is the smallest.
  2. For 0.40 and 0.44, compare the hundredths place: 0.40 has 0 hundredths, and 0.44 has 4 hundredths. So, 0.40 is smaller than 0.44.

Order: 0.04, 0.40, 0.44

Set 4

Decimals: 0.73, 0.37, 0.70

Reasoning:

  1. Compare the tenths place: 0.37 has 3 tenths, while 0.73 and 0.70 both have 7 tenths. So, 0.37 is the smallest.
  2. For 0.73 and 0.70, compare the hundredths place: 0.70 has 0 hundredths, and 0.73 has 3 hundredths. So, 0.70 is smaller than 0.73.

Order: 0.37, 0.70, 0.73

Set 5

Decimals: 0.91, 0.19, 0.09

Reasoning:

  1. Compare the tenths place: 0.09 has 0 tenths, 0.19 has 1 tenth, and 0.91 has 9 tenths.

Order: 0.09, 0.19, 0.91

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