Compare and Order Decimals Lesson Plan
Subject(s): Mathematics, Odyssey
Objective(s): The mathematician will compare and order decimals by lining up decimals, annexing zeros,
and comparing digits.
Purpose: Students need to compare decimals in contexts such as prices, lengths, times, and any other
measurements in decimals. They need to be able to determine which measurement is the least, the
greatest, or any in between.
Prerequisite Skills: Students will know decimal place value. They will know which digit is in the
hundreds, tens, ones, tenths, hundredths, and thousandths. Students are also familiar with and
understand the symbols: <, >, and =.
Grade Level: 6
Materials:
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Compare and Order Decimals Powerpoint
Compare and Order Decimals Notes
Compare and Order Decimals Homework
Internet Activities
Menu Activity
Anticipatory Set: Ask students to describe where they have seen decimals. Ask them if they have ever
had to compare decimals, for example, have they ever had to choose purchasing something because it
cost the least. If they had $3.99, could they buy a sandwich that cost $4.95?
Menu Activity: Pass out copies of menu with prices. Give students time to review the menu. Then ask
questions: What is the most expensive item on the menu? What is the least expensive? If fries are $1.99,
what items are less than, greater than, equal to this price? Put the items in order from least to most
expensive: Fries, hamburger, drink.
Input:
1. Teacher will ask questions to review and ask about the symbols <, >, and =. Compare whole
numbers like 45 < 47.
2. Example 1: Ask students to compare Sara’s time to Danny’s time. (Sara’s time is quicker). Now,
let’s compare using the decimals.
3. Step 1, line up the decimals – show how the decimals are right underneath each other. How is
this helpful?
4. Step 2, start at the left and work towards the right to compare each digit to find which one is
greater. Why would we start at the left?
5. Review number line and where numbers that are greater are located. As you move to the right
of the number line are the numbers getting bigger or smaller?
6. Discuss equivalent decimals and what equivalent decimals can look like. 0.6 = 0.60. Ask
students why these are equivalent then show model.
Compare and Order Decimals Lesson Plan
7. Following the equivalent decimal example of 0.6 = 0.60, introduce annexing zeros. Annexing
zeros helps when ordering decimals. Again address that annexing zeros does not change the
value of the decimal.
8. Order numbers from least to greatest using previous steps, now with the addition of annexing
zeros.
9. Work through example 2 by asking students for steps.
10. Have students work marker board examples.
11. Students will choose 2 of the 4 internet games to play. They will summarize what they do on
their notes
The Award Ceremony
http://www.mathsonline.co.uk/nonmembers/gamesroom/awards/awardc.html
Decimals in Space
http://themathgames.com/our-games/decimal-games/place-value/decimal-place-valuemath-game
Builder Ted
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/mathsfile/shockwave/games/laddergame.html
Ordering Game
http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/ordering-game.php?m=Dec-Tricky
12. Summarize the notes: Ask students what are the steps for comparing decimals, why is it
important to line up the decimals, and does annexing a zero change the value of the decimal?
Modeling: The teacher will model how to order decimals by lining up the decimal, annexing zeros, and
comparing digits.
Check for Understanding: Teacher will circulate the room while students work examples on marker
boards and address mistakes while going over the problem as a class.
Guided Practice: The students will work examples during notes.
Closure: Summarize in notes:
What are the steps for comparing decimals? Step 1: Line up decimals, Step 2: Annex zeros, if needed,
Step 3: Start at the left and compare digits
Why is it important to line up the decimals? It is important because it keeps the list organized and
allows you to compare digit by digit.
Does annexing a zero change the value of the decimal? Why or why not? No, because zero is just a place
holder when added to the end of the number.
Compare and Order Decimals Lesson Plan
Independent Practice: Internet Activities and Homework problems.
Reteach: Holt book pages and tutoring before/after school
http://my.hrw.com/math06_07/teacher/osp/msm1_tx/data/chap03/section01/reteach.pdf
Enrichment: Holt book pages
http://my.hrw.com/math06_07/teacher/osp/msm1_tx/data/chap03/section01/challenge.pdf
Standard(s):
6.1A