Activity Overview
Many students will see a larger number in the denominator and think that the bigger number means a bigger value. Fractions are sneaky that way: as the denominator gets bigger, that means that the same whole is being divided into more and more (smaller) pieces. An easy way to help students understand this is to show them a whole being divided using something they're familiar with.
In this activity, students will create a fraction story that shows what happens when a whole is divided into more and more pieces. Some possible wholes for the story might be:
- pizza (as in the example)
- cookies
- pie
- brownies
- wall space
- paper
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a fraction story that shows what happens when a whole is divided into more and more pieces. Some possible wholes for the story might be:
- pizza (as in the example)
- cookies
- pie
- brownies
- wall space
- paper
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the top row, create an illustration that includes something being broken into pieces.
- In the bottom row, describe how the piece is broken up in fraction terms.
- Use any other art or descriptions to help explain how wholes are broken up into pieces.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Many students will see a larger number in the denominator and think that the bigger number means a bigger value. Fractions are sneaky that way: as the denominator gets bigger, that means that the same whole is being divided into more and more (smaller) pieces. An easy way to help students understand this is to show them a whole being divided using something they're familiar with.
In this activity, students will create a fraction story that shows what happens when a whole is divided into more and more pieces. Some possible wholes for the story might be:
- pizza (as in the example)
- cookies
- pie
- brownies
- wall space
- paper
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a fraction story that shows what happens when a whole is divided into more and more pieces. Some possible wholes for the story might be:
- pizza (as in the example)
- cookies
- pie
- brownies
- wall space
- paper
- Click "Start Assignment".
- In the top row, create an illustration that includes something being broken into pieces.
- In the bottom row, describe how the piece is broken up in fraction terms.
- Use any other art or descriptions to help explain how wholes are broken up into pieces.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Compare Fraction Denominators
Use Fraction Strips to Visually Compare Denominators
Gather or create fraction strips using colored paper or printable templates to represent different denominators. These hands-on tools make abstract concepts concrete for students.
Guide students to line up strips with different denominators side by side
Place strips for fractions like 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, and 1/6 next to each other. Students will instantly see that more pieces (higher denominators) mean smaller parts of the same whole.
Ask students to predict which fraction is largest before comparing
Encourage students to make predictions about which strip will be longest or shortest. This boosts critical thinking and helps address misconceptions about denominators.
Discuss real-life examples where understanding denominators matters
Connect the concept to sharing pizza, cake, or classroom supplies. Relating fractions to everyday situations helps students grasp why denominator size affects the size of each piece.
Frequently Asked Questions about Compare Fraction Denominators
What does it mean when a fraction has a larger denominator?
A larger denominator means the whole is divided into more, smaller parts. So, each piece is smaller when the denominator is bigger.
Why does a bigger denominator make a fraction smaller?
A bigger denominator shows the whole is split into more pieces, making each piece smaller. For example, 1/8 is less than 1/4 because eighths are smaller than fourths.
How can I explain fraction denominators to my students using real-life examples?
Use familiar items like pizza or brownies. Show how dividing a pizza into 4 or 8 equal slices means each slice (fraction) gets smaller as the denominator increases.
What is a simple classroom activity to compare fraction denominators?
Have students illustrate a whole (like a cookie) divided into different numbers of pieces. Then, describe each part using fractions to see how the size changes as the denominator increases.
What are common misconceptions students have about fraction denominators?
Students often think a larger denominator means a bigger value, but in fractions, more pieces mean each piece is smaller. Visual aids help correct this confusion.
More Storyboard That Activities
Introduction to Fractions
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