This task was used with fourth graders. It requires students to understand the meaning of multiplication in relation to the value of the factors. The task emphasizes fractional number sense and the relationship of a fraction to 1.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsMultiplication_Problem_Critique_ComparingProducts
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsMultiplication_Problem_Critique_ComparingProducts
Agreeing or Disagreeing with Sally is a task designed for fourth graders working on fraction fluency. Students are asked to compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators. Students must critique an argument that states that two fractions are equivalent by agreeing or disagreeing and explaining the decision. The task will also allow students to demonstrate ability to create equivalent fractions.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsEquivalence_Problem_Critique_AgreeingOrDisagreeingWithSally
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsEquivalence_Problem_Critique_AgreeingOrDisagreeingWithSally
Running Out of Gasoline is task designed for fourth graders comprehending how to compare fractions. Students are given the amount of gas left in two different car tanks as a fraction with different numerators and denominators. The task is scaffolded through multiple questions that contain argumentative language asking the students to break apart the fractions, use equivalent fractions, and ultimately critique a response and provide justification.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_RunningOutOfGasoline
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_RunningOutOfGasoline
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I used this task in the beginning of the school year with 6th graders who were struggling with fractions. I had 2 main objectives for this task. One was to give students more practice with equivalent fractions, and two was to introduce the Talk Frame to the students.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_WhoAteMore
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique_WhoAteMore
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This task asks fourth grade students to critique a student’s comparison of two fractions. The task asks student to agree or disagree and provide an expanation. Students must compare fractions with different denominators. This addresses the common error of students only looking at the numerators and comparing them. The task may also require students to create equivalent fractions by finding common denominators in order to compare the fractions.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique
PDF version: 4_NF_FractionsComparing_Problem_Critique
This task was used with fourth graders to develop reasoning skill with fractional equivalence related to adding fractions. The task requires students to demonstrate an understanding that unlike fractions must be converted to equivalent forms to be added.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_DifferentDenominators
PDF version: 4_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_DifferentDenominators
I used this task during a fourth grade unit on fractions. I wanted to measure students’ understanding of equivalence. The objective was for students to demonstrate their understanding of equivalent fractions using a graphic organizer for a mathematical argument. Students struggled to figure out how they could fill in the evidence section of the graphic organizer.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique
PDF version: 4_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique
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Carlos’ Thoughts is a task created for fourth graders working on fractions. The task asks students to crtique a comparison of a mixed number to an improper fraction. The task uses argumentation language including claim, evidence and warrant. This task gets at a common error in reading mixed numbers versus improper fractions in which students see a whole number in front of a fraction and assume it is larger than the improper fraction. The task may also display a student’s ability to convert between mixed numbers and improper fractions.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_CarlosThoughts
PDF version: 4_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_CarlosThoughts
A Shaded Rectangle is a fractions problem involving a picture for fourth graders. Students are given a rectangle divided into sections, with some sections shaded, and a given student response stating how much of the rectangle is shaded. Argumentation language is used when asking students to critique the response, create a claim, and explain their thinking on whether the student response is correct.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_AShadedRectangle
PDF version: 4_NF_Fractions_Problem_Critique_AShadedRectangle
This multi-digit multiplication task was used with fourth-grade students. Students are asked to critique a statement on if two numbers multiplied together are equal to two numbers added together. After an initial conjecture, students share their ideas with a partner and identify similarities and differences between the two arguments. This task contains argumentative language, including claim and evidence.
Microsoft Word version: 4_NBT_Multiplication_ThinkPairShare_Critique_1
PDF version: 4_NBT_Multiplication_ThinkPairShare_Critique_1
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