Multiplying Fractions Lesson Plan for Teachers

Lesson Title:Multiplying Fractions

Lesson Objective: Students will be able to multiply fractions and understand the concept of simplifying the product by finding a common factor.

Materials:

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Fraction strips or manipulative
  • Worksheets for practice
  • Calculator (if needed)

    • Introduction (10 minutes): Begin the lesson by reviewing the concept of fractions. Write the fraction 3/4 on the board and ask the students to identify the numerator and denominator. Explain that the numerator represents the number of parts being considered, and the denominator represents the number of parts in the whole. Next, write the fraction 1/2 on the board and ask the students how they would multiply 3/4 by 1/2. (They should understand that they need to multiply the numerator of 3/4 by the numerator of 1/2 and the denominator of 3/4 by the denominator of 1/2.)

    Direct Instruction (20 minutes): Using the fraction strips or manipulative, demonstrate how to multiply fractions. Write the fractions 3/4 and 1/2 on the board and show how to multiply them by multiplying the numerator of 3/4 by the numerator of 1/2 and the denominator of 3/4 by the denominator of 1/2. (3/4 x 1/2 = 3/8) Explain that when we multiply fractions, we multiply the numerators together and multiply the denominators together.

    Guided Practice (20 minutes): Distribute the worksheets and have the students practice multiplying fractions on their own. Walk around the room and assist as needed.

    Independent Practice (20 minutes): Provide the students with a set of mixed fractions and have them multiply them and simplify the product by finding a common factor if necessary.

    Closure (10 minutes): Have the students share one thing they learned about multiplying fractions during the lesson.

    Assessment: Monitor the students during independent practice and provide feedback. Collect and grade the worksheets for accuracy.

    Note:

  • You can adjust the time and activities according to your students’ level and need.
  • Encourage students to ask questions and provide opportunities for them to explore and discover the concepts.
  • This is a general lesson plan and you should adjust it according to the resources available in your class and school.
  • If your students are having difficulty with the concept of simplifying the product, you can use a calculator to divide both numerator and denominator by a common factor(GCF) and use that as the simplified form.