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Fraction Finders: Equal Shares?

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Lesson Plan

Fraction Finders: Equal Shares? Lesson Plan

Students will be able to identify and create equivalent fractions using visual models and multiplication, understanding that different fractions can represent the same value.

Understanding equivalent fractions is a core concept that builds a strong foundation for all future fraction operations, making complex math much clearer and more manageable.

Audience

4th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, visual aids, and interactive activities.

Materials

Fraction Finders Slide Deck, Equal Shares Worksheet, Equivalent Fraction Challenge Activity, and What's the Same? Cool Down

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Picture This!

5 minutes

  • Begin with the Fraction Finders Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).
    - Ask students to recall what a fraction is and provide examples.
    - Introduce the concept of representing the same amount in different ways, using a simple visual like half a pizza.

Step 2

Introduction to Equivalent Fractions

10 minutes

  • Use Fraction Finders Slide Deck (Slide 3-6) to introduce equivalent fractions.
    - Explain that equivalent fractions are fractions that look different but represent the same value.
    - Use visual models (e.g., fraction bars, circles) to demonstrate examples like 1/2 = 2/4 = 4/8.
    - Guide students through an example of how to find an equivalent fraction by multiplying the numerator and denominator by the same number.

Step 3

Guided Practice: Equal Shares

8 minutes

  • Distribute the Equal Shares Worksheet.
    - Work through the first one or two problems together as a class, encouraging students to draw models.
    - Have students complete the remaining problems independently or with a partner. Circulate to provide support and answer questions.

Step 4

Independent Practice/Extension: Equivalent Fraction Challenge

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Equivalent Fraction Challenge Activity as an optional extension or for early finishers.
    - Students can create their own equivalent fraction pairs and explain their reasoning.
    - Share a few examples with the class.

Step 5

Cool-Down: What's the Same?

2 minutes

  • Distribute the What's the Same? Cool Down.
    - Students will complete a quick exit ticket to summarize their understanding of equivalent fractions.
    - Collect cool-downs to assess comprehension.
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Slide Deck

Welcome, Fraction Finders!

What are fractions?

  • Parts of a whole
  • Equal pieces

Think about a pizza! How can we share it fairly?

Welcome students and get them thinking about fractions. Ask them what a fraction is and if they can give examples from real life.

Equal Shares, Different Names?

Imagine sharing a pizza...

  • If you take 1/2 of the pizza, how many slices is that if the pizza has 4 slices? (2/4)
  • What if it has 8 slices? (4/8)

Introduce the idea that the same amount can be called by different fraction names. Use the pizza analogy to lead into the main topic.

What are Equivalent Fractions?

Fractions that represent the same value or same amount, even though they have different numbers!

Think of it like different ways to say 'half'.

Define equivalent fractions clearly. Emphasize 'same amount' but 'different numbers'.

Seeing is Believing!

Let's look at some examples:

  • 1/2 is the same as 2/4
  • 2/4 is the same as 4/8

They cover the same amount of space!

Use a visual example to make the concept concrete. Fraction bars or circles are great here. Draw or show 1/2 and then 2/4 and 4/8.

How Do We Find Them?

We can multiply the numerator (top number) AND the denominator (bottom number) by the same number.

It's like multiplying by 1, but in disguise! (e.g., 2/2, 3/3, 4/4)

Explain the 'multiplying by one' rule. This is key for understanding how to find equivalent fractions.

Let's Practice Together!

Find a fraction equivalent to 1/3.

  • What number can we multiply by?
  • Multiply the numerator (1) by that number.
  • Multiply the denominator (3) by that same number.

What do you get?

Walk through an example with the students. Ask for their input on what number to multiply by.

Your Turn! Equal Shares Worksheet

Time to show what you know!

Transition to the worksheet. Explain that they will be practicing what they just learned.

Challenge Time: Equivalent Fraction Fun!

Finished early or want an extra challenge?

Introduce the challenge for those who finish early or as an optional extension.

Time to Cool Down!

Complete the What's the Same? Cool Down.

  • What did you learn today about equivalent fractions?
  • One last question for your brain!

Wrap up the lesson with the cool-down. Collect these to check for understanding.

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Worksheet

Equal Shares Worksheet

Name: _________________________

Date: __________________________

Part 1: Match the Equivalent Fractions

Draw a line to connect the fractions that represent the same amount. You can draw pictures to help you!

  1. 1/2


    2/4

  2. 1/3


    3/9

  3. 2/3


    4/6

  4. 1/4


    2/8

Part 2: Find the Missing Number

Complete each equivalent fraction. Remember, whatever you do to the top, you must do to the bottom!

  1. 1/2 = ?/4






  2. 2/3 = 4/?






  3. 1/4 = 3/?






  4. 3/5 = ?/10






Part 3: Draw Your Own!

  1. Draw a picture to show that 1/3 is equivalent to 2/6.











  2. Draw a picture to show that 3/4 is equivalent to 6/8.











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Activity

Equivalent Fraction Challenge!

Name: _________________________

Date: __________________________

Your Challenge:

Can you create your own equivalent fractions and explain how you know they are equal?

Instructions:

  1. Choose a Starting Fraction: Pick any fraction (e.g., 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, etc.). Write it down in the box below.
  2. Find an Equivalent Fraction: Using multiplication, find at least one fraction that is equivalent to your starting fraction. Write it down.
  3. Draw a Picture: In the space provided, draw a picture (like a fraction bar or circle) to show both your starting fraction and its equivalent fraction. Make sure your drawing clearly shows they are the same amount!
  4. Explain Your Thinking: Write a sentence or two explaining how you know your two fractions are equivalent.

My Equivalent Fraction Pair:

Starting Fraction:


Equivalent Fraction:


My Drawing:





















How I Know They Are Equivalent:










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Cool Down

What's the Same? Cool Down

Name: _________________________

Date: __________________________

  1. In your own words, what is an equivalent fraction?






  2. Circle the fraction that is equivalent to 1/3.

    a) 1/6
    b) 2/3
    c) 2/6
    d) 3/6

  3. Show one way you can find a fraction equivalent to 1/4.






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