LessonTitle: A Question of Order Revised
Alg 8.6
Utah State Core Standard and Indicators Algebra Standards 1.3.1, 2.2.5 Process Standards 1-5
Summary
In this lesson, students problem solve to order rational and irrational numbers in different group configurations.
Enduring Understanding
Use the square roots of perfect squares to help you
estimate the square roots of radical expressions.



Skill Focus
Essential Questions
How do you estimate the size of a radical expression?
Vocabulary Focus
Squares and square roots
Radical expressions
Ordering real numbers
Assessment
Materials
Launch
See “starters” below.
Explore
Summarize
Apply
Directions:
1) Starter Activity: Put the numbers in order from least to greatest:
2) Learning Activity 1: Post a three column chart in the room with columns entitled close to 0, close to ½, close to 1. Give
students a card 1, 2, or 3 and tell them to tape their card in the appropriate column. For fractions like ¾ they can
place the fraction between the close to ½ and close to 1 columns.
3) Learning Activity 2: Post a large number line in the room between -1 and 1. Give students a card from Card Sets 1, 2,
or 3 and tell them to place the card in the appropriate spot on the number line. Once all students have placed their
numbers, look at the number line as a class and decide if any are in the wrong place. Give extra credit or candy to
those students who find numbers out of place and explain why they are out of place!
4) Learning Activity 3: Post a large number line, including numbers from -10 to 10 in the front of the room. Place
students in groups of four. Each group is assigned four numbers from any of the card sets. Students are to locate and
place their numbers on the number line between the appropriate integers. Once all groups have placed their
numbers, the class should work together to decide if the entire order is correct.
5) Learning Activity 4: Give each student a card. Students are assigned arrange themselves so that the numbers are in
order from least to greatest. You may choose to split up into smaller groups, with the groups ordering their own
numbers and then coming together to get the entire set of numbers in order.
NOTE: If you have a white board, students love to use the white board magnets. They can be purchased at most office
supply stores. Put the number line or three column chart up on the whiteboard and allow students to use the magnets to
post their answers.
Card Set 1: Fractions
1
2
1
5
1
8
1
3
1
6
1
9
1
4
1
7
1
10
Card Set 2: Fractions
1
2
4
5
7
8
2
3
5
6
8
9
3
4
6
7
9
10
Card Set 3: Fractions and Decimals
1
2
4
5
7
8
1
4
0.5
3
4
0.7 0.35
0.05
9
10
3
5
0.65
3
8
0.55
5
9
1
7
0.75
1
3
2
3
0.3 0.34
0.3 0.03 0.03
Card Set 4: Rational Numbers
1

2
3
1
4
1
1
2
-1.25
1.5
-0.75
-0.9
1
1
2
3
1
4
1

4
3
2
4
1
2
4
Card Set 5: Real Numbers
25
49
36
1  100
2
3
50
45
5
π -π
16
2
7
4
200
100
6
7.32
1
4
6
5
64
4
1
16