3rd–5th Grade
Objectives
CCSS Math: Number & Operations—Fractions
•3.NF.A.2: Understand a fraction as a number on the
number line; represent fractions on a number line
diagram.
•3.NF.A.3.C: Express whole numbers as fractions,
and recognize fractions that are equivalent to whole
numbers. Examples: Express 3 in the form 3 = 3/1;
recognize that 6/1 = 6; locate 4/4 and 1 at the same
point of a number line diagram.
0
1
1
—
2
0
1
1
—
3
Materials Needed
• Whiteboard or chart paper
• Racing for Fractions worksheet and answer key
Introduction
0
1
1
—
4
Write the following story on the board or chart paper, or
tell it aloud:
Three friends were running a race. Jack ran 1/3 of a mile, Sue ran 1/2 of a mile and Tam ran 1/4 of a mile.
Who ran the farthest?
Procedure
1.Review what students know about visual models of fractions (e.g., pieces of pizza, fraction of brownies in a
pan).
2.Explain that we can also think of fractions in terms of how far to travel on a number line.
3.Draw a simple number line on the board or chart paper. Above it, draw a bar model of a fraction. Tell
students that this bar is worth 1. Draw hash marks to represent 0 and 1 on the number line right below the left
and right edges of the bar.
4.Invite a student to show 1/3 on the fraction bar by drawing lines and shading in the bar.
5.Do the same thing to the number line underneath. Point out that on a number line, you draw hash marks and
label the fraction with a dot.
6.Ask, “Where do you think 1/2 would fall on this number line?” Repeat the process until you have labeled all
three points from the story and determined that Sue ran the farthest.
7.Continue with other examples, including improper fractions such as 3/2, to practice dividing a number line
and labeling the points.
Independent Practice
1.Give each student a copy of the Racing for Fractions worksheet.
2.Have students follow the directions to divide each number line into fractional parts and label the appropriate
points.
©Lakeshore www.lakeshorelearning.com
Name:
Racing for Fractions
1. Divide the number line into thirds.
2 , and —
1 ,—
3 on the number line.
Label —
3
3
3
1
0
2. Label the fractions on the number line below.
1
0
1
2
2
2
3. Divide the number line into halves. Label — and — on the number line.
1
0
1
6
4. Divide the number line into sixths. Label — on the number line.
1
0
3
4
5. Divide the number line into fourths. Label — on the number line.
1
0
1
3
4
3
6. Divide the number line into thirds. Label — and — on the number line.
0
1
©Lakeshore 2
www.lakeshorelearning.com
Racing for Fractions - Answer Key
1.
0
1
—
3
1
2
—
3
3
—
3
2.
0
3
—
8
6
—
8
or
3
—
4
4
—
8
or
1
—
2
1
3.
0
1
1
—
2
2
—
2
4.
0
1
1
—
6
5.
0
3
—
4
1
6.
0
1
—
3
1
4
—
3
©Lakeshore 2
www.lakeshorelearning.com