'Comparing fractions' tutor notes
The 'Comparing fractions' module is aimed at level 1 of the Basic Skills Curriculum, with a factsheet and worksheet aimed at recapping Entry Level 3 of the same subject area (N2/E3.1 E3.2).
This module covers material in N2/L1.1 by looking at comparing unit fractions, comparing fractions with same denominator and using a fraction wall to compare non-unit fractions with different denominators.
We'd love to hear your comments on the module; do you like the activity and the factsheets? What do you think of the worksheets, and the card game? Send in your and your students' feedback.
How does this tie in with the new curriculums?
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England
N2/L1.1 - Read, write, order and compare common fractions and mixed numbers.
Know common equivalent fractions, understand that in unit fractions the larger the denominator the smaller the value of the fraction
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Wales
As England.
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Northern Ireland
As England.
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Scotland
See www.aloscotland.com for details of the Scottish curriculum.
In the Skillswise module you'll find:
Comparing fractions activity
In this activity fractions are represented side by side in four ways: by filling jugs with water, by shading figures in a group, by dividing up a pizza and by cutting up a bar of chocolate.
The learner can experiment freely by creating fractions from the numbers 1 to 10 on each side of the screen. The fractions created are represented in the graphics. (Fractions greater than one or with zero on the bottom both cause pop-up message and the activity continues.) The learner can experiment to find those that match, eg 3/9 and 1/3.
This activity is open ended and could be used to set tasks for the learner, eg
- find as many fractions as you can that match a given fraction.
- keep the number on the bottom the same and increase the number on top one at a time.
TOP TIP! To see the activity completely full screen, press the F11 key on the keyboard. This takes away the distraction of the top browser bar. To bring the browser bar back, just press F11 again!
To play the activity you will need to have Flash Version 5 plug-in for you browser. If you are not sure just give it a go. If it doesn't work then see the 'Technical help' section below on this page on how to get the Flash plug-in.
Comparing fractions factsheets
You'll find curriculum references in the top right hand corner of the factsheets.
There are six factsheets for this module, each on 'print-out-and-keep' sheets:
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Factsheet 1 - Recap Entry level 3 and re-introduce fractions
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Factsheet 2 - A 'Fraction wall' diagram for reference throughout the module
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Factsheet 3 - Comparing unit fractions.
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Factsheet 4 - Comparing fractions with the same denominator
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Factsheet 5 - Using the fraction wall to compare fractions with different denominators, eg 3/5 and 2/3
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Factsheet 6 - Key words for fractions explained
Comparing fractions worksheets
There are 4 worksheets in total - the fourth being a card game activity. You'll find curriculum references in the top right hand corner of the worksheets. They are printable resources to carry on the work learners have done online.
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Worksheet 1 - Recap Entry Level 3 fractions and equivalent fractions
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Worksheet 2 - Compare pairs of fractions using <, =, > signs
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Worksheet 3 - Answer questions using only the numbers 1,3,5,8,10 and 12 to make the answer fractions
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Worksheet 4 - Card game. Print out all the associated sheets to make the game cards. Instructions are on the first sheet. The game can be played similarly to a 'find matching pairs' game, but instead of matching you compare fractions using <, =, > signs
Comparing fractions quiz
The quiz has questions on comparing and ordering fractions and also includes some question on ordering mixed numbers too in level C.
The learner can choose their level. Level A is the easiest, level C the hardest.
Students can print out a certificate if they score 50% or more in the quiz. This will appear as a link on the results page - click on the link and the certificate will appear in a new window. Students can write their name on the certificate once it's printed.
Comparing and ordering fractions game
In this game learners are given a set of fractions and have to put them in ascending or descending order. The game is split into three levels, with each level getting progressively harder.
Watch the 'How to play' to find out how the game works. At the end of each level, students can print off an gamesheet which will show their marked answers.
Technical help:
To get the most out of this topic area you need the following 'plug-ins':
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Flash
The game in this topic section uses Flash. This is free to download and should only take a few minutes. You can follow the BBC WebWise instructions to download it to your machine.
Find out more.
If you don't have Flash the same learning points are covered in the quiz and in the worksheets and factsheets.
If you are new to the web, why not try the BBC WebWise online course, Becoming WebWise? It's free, you can do it in your own time from any computer and it will take you through everything you need to know to use the web successfully in your teaching.
Get WebWise.
You can find out more about the technical requirements for Skillswise in our Help - Technical Information section.
Taking it further:
With Skillswise
When covering this topic your students might like to try some In the news quizzes which contain questions on comparing common fractions:
Find more In the news archive stories.
Read this week's current In the news.
Don't forget to visit Lesson plans and Teaching inspirations for more ideas for teaching comparing common fractions.
With the web
Here are some suggestions of other places on the web you might find useful for teaching comparing common fractions:
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Visual fractions
A New Zealand website which offers instruction and practice in identifying, renaming, and operating on fractions. All examples are modelled with number lines or circles.
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KS2 Bitesize
Bitesize is a site linked to the Key Stage 2 National Tests. In the Fractions and Percentages sections there are activities, printable factsheets, worksheets and tests.
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Mathsnet: comparing fractions activity
Mathsnet is a site with interactive visual representations of fractions, and many other resources. This activity lets you divide a strip into as many equal parts as you want then colour in some of the parts to create a fraction. You can see it displayed as a fraction, decimal, percentage or ratio. You can also compare strips one above the other.
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Mathsnet: fractions
Mathsnet has many other resources. Follow the 'What fractions look like' link on the above page to see interactive diagrams.
Please note that the BBC is not responsible for the content of other websites.
Do you know of any great online resources for comparing common fractions? Tell us about
them!
