Unit Plan 25 (Grade 6 Math): Fraction & Decimal Operations in Context

Focus: Integrate all four operations with fractions/decimals; estimate, compute, and justify results.

Grade Level: 6

Subject Area: Mathematics (Number System — Fraction and Decimal Operations)

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

I. Introduction

Students consolidate addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with fractions and decimals in real-world contexts. They choose strategies (visual models, equivalent forms, standard algorithms), make estimates before computing, and provide clear justifications with units. Emphasis: selecting the operation that matches the situation, checking reasonableness, and communicating steps with precision.

Essential Questions

• Which operation fits the situation, and how do I know?
• How can estimation (benchmarks, rounding, compatible numbers) guide my plan and help me check?
• When should I use a model (tape diagram, area model, number line) vs a numeric method?
• How do I write a clear unit sentence that explains what my answer means?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Interpret word problems to decide which operation(s) to use with fractions and decimals.
2. Estimate outcomes using benchmarks (halves, quarters, tenths), rounding, and compatible numbers.
3. Compute accurately with:
   • Fraction +/−/×/÷ (including fraction ÷ fraction).
   • Decimal +/−/×/÷ (place-value alignment; decimal-point placement).
4. Model multi-step problems with tape diagrams, area models, and number lines, then connect models to algorithms.
5. Justify solutions with labeled units, explain reasonableness, and reflect on errors and revisions.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 6 (spiral)

• 6.NS.1: Interpret and compute quotients of fractions, and solve word problems involving division of fractions by fractions (use visual models and equations).
• 6.NS.2: Fluently divide multi-digit numbers using the standard algorithm.
• 6.NS.3: Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm.
• Mathematical Practices emphasized: MP.1 (make sense), MP.2 (reason quantitatively), MP.3 (justify), MP.4 (model), MP.6 (precision), MP.7 (structure).

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can choose an operation that matches the story and explain why.
• I can estimate first, then compute, and say if my answer makes sense.
• I can show my thinking with a model and also with a calculation.
• I can label units and write a clear unit sentence for my result.
• I can check and fix errors (place value, fraction setup, operation choice).