Summary
This lesson introduces identifying, classifying, and comparing rational and irrational numbers. Students will label and describe groups of numbers, as well as add new numbers into their appropriate groups. Then, students will predict whether statements are true or not based on their understanding. This lesson is intended for the beginning of a rational numbers unit or as a review. This lesson includes optional modifications for distance learning. Resources for use in Google Classroom are included.
Essential Question(s)
How do classifications help us understand numbers in a deeper way?
Snapshot
Engage
Students describe groups of numbers with which they are already familiar.
Explore
Students describe groups of numbers with which they are not already familiar. Then, they sort new sets of numbers based on their descriptions.
Explain
Students are provided a set of formal definitions to compare against their descriptions of the numbers.
Extend
Students determine whether a list of statements about rational numbers are always, sometimes, or never true.
Evaluate
Students reflect on what they feel most and least comfortable with in relation to their knowledge.
Materials
Getting Real with Rationals slide show
Always, Sometimes, or Never True handout (7th- and 8th-grade versions)
Descriptions Card Sort handout
Numbers Card Sort handout
Rational Number Rules handout
Muddiest Point Exit Ticket handout (optional)
Calculators
Writing utensils
Projector and computer for sharing the slide show
Scissors
Engage
Open the slide presentation (attached) and introduce the lesson. Let the students know that class is starting with a review challenge. Group students randomly with up to four or five students per group. No special grouping is required; students may group according to seating chart proximity or any other method you choose.
Display slide four and distribute the first page of the Rational Numbers Rules handout to each group. The goal is for students to look through the number groups, then decide what rule was used to form that group and describe that rule in a way that will help determine if a new number would fit in that group. The students are looking for commonalities in the group of numbers and by finding these commonalities they form a definition of the numbers that will guide whether a potential addition to the group would or would not fit into the number set.