3.NF.A.3 lessons
Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases and compare fractions by reasoning about their size, recognizing that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole.
The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics code 3.NF.A.3 asks students to: “Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases and compare fractions by reasoning about their size, recognizing that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole.” These Fieldbook lessons teach it hands-on, with everyday materials, a printable teacher guide and a student sheet.
Fair Shares: Fractions and Decimals Grades 3–4
- Is half always the same size? 50–60 min
Teams fold and cut paper granola bars into halves, quarters, eighths, thirds and sixths, and discover that a quarter of a long bar is exactly as long as a half of a short one. Students explain that a fraction names equal parts of a whole, and that the same fraction of a different whole can be a different amount.
- Where does three-quarters stand? 50–60 min
The class builds a giant number line from 0 to 2 on the playground, and each student stands where their fraction card belongs. Students discover that 1/2, 2/4 and 4/8 all stand on the same spot, and explain fractions as numbers with a place on the line, equivalent fractions and how to compare fractions with benchmarks.
More Common Core standards for Grade 3
All standards we teach · Curriculum alignment by state and province
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