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Math 6 Lesson

Dividing Fractions with Tape Diagrams

Shared by A STEM Educator

6th GradeBTC Style / Thinking ClassroomsCCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.A.150 min
Learning Objective

Students will apply the concept of division as 'how many groups of this size fit into that amount' to divide fractions by fractions, connecting tape diagram representations to the keep-change-flip algorithm.

Lesson Overview

Students progress from dividing a whole number by a unit fraction to dividing a fraction by a fraction, using tape diagrams as the primary representational tool at every level. Tasks are organized into Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3a/b to scaffold complexity one variable at a time.

Materials

  • Vertical whiteboards or large paper taped to the wall
  • Dry-erase markers (multiple colors)
  • Pencil and paper for note sheet

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1
Level 1 — You have meters of ribbon. You cut pieces that are each meter long. Draw a tape diagram and find how many pieces you get. Write the division equation this represents.
2Task 2
Level 1 — You have meters of ribbon. You cut pieces that are each meter long. Draw a tape diagram and find how many pieces you get. Write the division equation.

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