Unit Plan 27 (Grade 4 Math): Line Plots with Fractional Data

Focus: Make line plots with fractional units (1/2, 1/4, 1/8) and solve problems using fraction operations drawn from the plot.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Mathematics (Measurement & Data; Fractions Connection)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students collect or use given measurement data recorded in fractions of a unit and display it on a line plot. They then use the plot to compute sums, differences, and simple multiples of fractional measurements, explaining units and reasonableness.

Essential Questions

• How does a line plot help me see patterns and compute with fractions?
• When should I use addition, subtraction, or multiplication by a whole number to solve a plot-based question?
• How do units, scale, and the same whole affect my conclusions?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Create line plots with fractional units (1/2, 1/4, 1/8) using accurate scales and tick marks.
2. Interpret frequencies and values on a plot to find totals, differences, and simple equal groups.
3. Apply fraction addition/subtraction (like denominators) and fraction × whole number to solve plot questions.
4. Communicate solutions with units, representations (e.g., number lines, fraction strips), and reasonableness checks.
5. Identify and discuss outliers, range, and clusters to describe the data set.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4

• 4.MD.4: Make a line plot to display a data set of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8). Use operations on fractions for this grade to solve problems involving information presented in line plots (e.g., find and compare total lengths given on a plot).
• 4.NF.3–4 (connection): Understand fraction decomposition and addition/subtraction with like denominators (4.NF.3), and multiply a fraction by a whole number (4.NF.4) in plot-based contexts.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can build a line plot with the right scale, tick marks, and labels.
• I can add/subtract the fraction measurements and explain the units in my answer.
• I can use fraction × whole number when the plot shows equal groups.
• I can check my work for reasonableness using a model or number line.