Unit Plan 18 (Grade 5 Math): Line Plots with Fraction Measurements

Focus: Create line plots with fractional units (halves, fourths, eighths), and solve problems from the plots by adding, subtracting, and multiplying fractions in measurement contexts.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Mathematics (Measurement & Data; Number & Operations—Fractions)

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

I. Introduction

Students gather and display measurement data (lengths, liquid volumes, masses) that include fractional values, then use their line plots to solve authentic questions. They practice 5.NF.1 (adding/subtracting unlike denominators) and 5.NF.4 (multiplying fractions in context), with strong attention to units, reasonableness, and clear communication from plot → question → operation → solution.

Essential Questions

• How do I choose an appropriate fractional scale for a line plot?
• How can I answer questions with addition, subtraction, or multiplication of fractions using information on a plot?
• What strategies help me keep units and reasonableness in check when working from visual data?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Collect or interpret measurement data in fractional units and construct an accurate line plot with a clear scale and labels.
2. Use the line plot to frame and solve add/subtract fraction problems with unlike denominators.
3. Use the line plot to frame and solve multiplication-of-fractions problems (e.g., number of items × fractional measure each).
4. Explain solutions with units, benchmarks, and reasonableness checks.
5. Communicate findings in concise written statements tied to the visual evidence on the plot.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 5

• 5.MD.2: Make a line plot to display data sets of measurements in fractions of a unit (1/2, 1/4, 1/8) and use operations on fractions to solve problems using information presented in the line plot.
• 5.NF.1: Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions.
• 5.NF.4: Apply and extend multiplication of fractions to solve problems (e.g., area or repeated-measure contexts).
• Mathematical Practices emphasized: MP.1 (persevere), MP.2 (quantitative reasoning), MP.3 (justify), MP.4 (model), MP.5 (tools), MP.6 (precision), MP.7 (structure).

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can build a line plot with a fractional scale and correct labels.
• I can decide whether to add, subtract, or multiply to answer a question from the plot.
• I can compute with unlike denominators and label my answer with the correct unit.
• I can explain why my answer is reasonable using benchmarks or the structure of the plot.