Fraction models
Number Line Lab
Count equal intervals, move a point beyond one, and preserve its location while renaming a fraction.
Investigations in this lab
1. Count intervals, then place the point
Set 4 equal intervals per whole. Place a point at 3/4. How many intervals did you travel from zero?
Teacher response
The five tick marks from 0 through 1 enclose four intervals. Travel three intervals; the point marks the endpoint.
Watch for: Counting zero as the first interval.
2. Keep the unit when crossing one
Keep fourths. Move the point to 7/4. What mixed number does the point represent?
Teacher response
Four fourths reach 1. Three more fourths reach 1 3/4. The interval size stays the same after 1.
Watch for: Restarting the numerator at zero after one whole.
3. Repartition without moving the endpoint
Use sixths and put the point at 4/6. Give its simplest fraction name.
Teacher response
Group the six intervals in pairs. Four sixths cover two of the three pairs, so the point is 2/3.
Watch for: Changing the point when the fraction name changes.
Original tasks. Curriculum reference: Grade 5 Number & Operations—Fractions. Division tasks use a unit fraction divided by a whole number, or a whole number divided by a unit fraction.
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