4th Grade Math Lesson

Dye Blending & Fraction Matching: Equivalent Fractions and Comparison in the Textile Studio

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4th GradeBTC Vertical Whiteboard Framing4.NF.A.1 / 4.NF.A.250 min

Learning Objective

Students will generate equivalent fractions by multiplying or dividing numerator and denominator by the same non-zero whole number, and compare two fractions with different numerators and denominators using visual area/strip models and benchmark values ( $0$ , $\frac{1}{2}$ , $1$ ).

Lesson Overview

Students work in random groups of 3 at vertical non-permanent surfaces to discover that multiplying or dividing both numerator and denominator by the same number produces equivalent fractions, then extend this understanding to compare fractions with unlike denominators using visual fraction strips and benchmark values. The context of mixing dye batches in an artisan textile studio grounds every task in proportional reasoning.

Materials

Vertical whiteboards or large chart paper (one per group of 3)
Dry-erase markers (multiple colors per group)
Erasers or socks
Printed fraction strip reference card (denominators 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12) — one per group
Random grouping cards
Consolidation note sheets (one per student)
Exit slip half-sheets

Scaffolded Task Progression

1Task 1

The studio has a dye strip divided into

2

equal sections. One section is shaded blue.

[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]

On your board, draw this strip. Write the fraction of the strip that is shaded. Now draw a NEW strip of the same length, but split it into

4

equal sections. Shade the same amount of area as before. Write the fraction of the new strip that is shaded. What do you notice?

2Task 2

The studio now splits the same dye strip into

8

equal sections.

[ Interactive graph / diagram — available in the full lesson ]

Strip A shows

\frac{1}{2}

shaded. Strip B has

8

equal parts;

2

are already shaded. How many total parts of Strip B need to be shaded to match Strip A? Write the equivalent fraction.

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