Lesson 13

The purpose of this lesson is for students to display a set of measurements in fractions of a unit (\(\frac {1}{8}\), \(\frac {1}{4}\), and \(\frac {1}{2}\)) on a line plot and interpret the data. Students also add and subtract fractions to answer questions about data presented in line plots.

In grade 3, students generated measurement data in nearest \(\frac{1}{2}\) inch or \(\frac{1}{4}\) inch and represented such data on line plots. Earlier in the course, students learned about equivalent fractions and about sums and differences of fractions with the same denominator. In this lesson, students plot data involving lengths measured in \(\frac{1}{8}\) inch and analyze the data. They use the line plots and their knowledge of equivalence and fraction operations to answer questions about situations.

An optional measuring activity is included in the lesson. While grade 4 standards do not require students to measure lengths or generate measurement data, measuring reinforces student understanding of the relative size of fractions and gives meaning to the context used in subsequent activities.

The activities in this lesson call for used colored pencils. If colored pencils are unavailable, substitute with regular pencils.

• Each student needs a used colored pencil.

Today’s lesson encouraged small-group collaboration. How did students interact with each other’s ideas today in the work? How can you ensure in future small-group collaborations that all students’ voices are heard?