Unit 4, Lesson 4
Compare and Order Decimals
Grade 4
Preparation
Lesson Narrative
Previously, students reasoned about the relative size of decimals using number lines and other strategies. In this lesson, they apply those strategies to compare and order decimals, both in and out of context. The contexts in this lesson and in the next one share a track-and-field theme and involve measurements (running times in this lesson and jumping distances in the next lesson).
- Representation
None
- Explain (orally) strategies for comparing and ordering decimals.
- Let’s put some decimals in order.
Required Preparation
None
Extend the Launch of the Warm-up by engaging students in a discussion of birds of prey. Ask:
- “What kind of bird is an eagle?” (bird of prey)
- “What are birds of prey?” (birds that eat other animals)
- “What other birds of prey do you know?” (owls, hawks, falcons, vultures)
- “What are some features of birds of prey?” (keen eyesight, sharp beaks, sharp claws or talons)
- “Why are birds of prey important in nature?” (They eat rodents and snakes, keeping populations in check. Some birds of prey, such as vultures, eat dead animals.)
Emphasize that scavengers—animals that eat dead animals—perform the vital role of keeping the environment clean.
Environmental Principles & Concepts
Teacher Reflection Questions
What questions from the lesson provided the most insight into student thinking? What surprised you about the insights you gained?