Fractions at the Fair
Grade 5
Number Sense
Objective 1: Describe and represent decimals
concretely, pictorially and symbolically
Objective 2: Relate decimals to fractions and
fractions to decimals
Objective 3: Demonstrate an understanding
of fractions by using concrete, pictorial and
symbolic representations to; create sets of
equivalent fractions and compare fractions
with like and unlike denominators.
Grade 5- Number Sense
Fractions at the Fair
Grade 5
Strand: Number Sense
Summary:
Students demonstrate their knowledge of fractions by drawing a
representation of the fractions, comparing fractions, and
changing improper fractions to mixed numbers.
Keywords:
Working with fractions
Writing equations
Working with inequalities (< >)
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Fractions at the Fair
Information for the Teacher
Task Description
This assessment allows the teacher to evaluate students’ ability to work with
fractions. In Task 1, students demonstrate their understanding of fractions
by drawing pictures of given fractions. Task 2 requires students to
demonstrate their understanding of equivalent fractions. In Task 3,
fractions with unlike denominators are compared.
Required Materials
Fraction kits are helpful if you permit the use of manipulatives during the
assessment.
Scoring key for the teacher
Task 1: Students should represent 2/12 and 2/16 (or) 1/6 and 1/8
Task 2: Students should show that 1/2 equals 6/12 and 1/4 equals 4/16.
Task 3: 7/10 < 4/5. Answers will vary on the third time he threw the ball.
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Fractions at the Fair
Math is everywhere!
Have you ever been to a fair? It is a lot of fun and
there are so many different things to do.
In these pages, you will see how to find math even
at a fair.
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Task 1: How much to get in?
Travis and Martin are two friends that are at the
fair. Their moms gave them different amounts of
money to spend. Travis has $12. Martin has $16.
When they got to the fair, they found that it
costs $2 to get in.
In the boxes, draw pictures showing the part of
$12 that Travis spent and the part of $16 that
Martin spent to get in to the fair. Then write the
parts as fractions.
The fraction of the money Travis spent: _____________
The fraction of the money Martin spent: _____________
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Teacher Scoring Guide – Task 1
4
Advanced
The criteria for a score of Proficient are successfully met.
 More advanced work is included. For example, the student
compares the two fractions. Other examples include:
_________________________________________________

3



2
Proficient
The student draws the parts correctly.
The pictures show an understanding of fractions.
A correct fraction is written for both boys.
Basic
One correct fraction and one correct picture are included.
OR
 Both fractions and both pictures are accurate, but significant
coaching is needed.
 More work is needed.

1


Below Basic
The response does not include any correct fractions or
pictures.
The task should be repeated.
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Student Scoring Guide – Task 1
I drew two pictures and wrote two fractions.
My pictures and fractions are correct.
I did not need help from the teacher.
I think I did an extra great job because:
I needed help drawing the pictures or writing the fractions.
I will keep trying because I am almost there.

I did not understand what to do.
I will ask questions and try again.
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Task 2: Food!
Of course the first thing they want to do at the
fair is eat. Travis decides to spend $4 on food.
This means that so far Travis has spent $6. In
other words, he has already spent one half, or six
twelfths of his money.
Draw a picture showing that these two fractions
are equal.
1/2
6/12
Martin only spent $2 on food. So far he has spent
$4 of his $16. Write two equivalent fractions
showing how much Martin has spent and draw
pictures to show how the fractions are equal.
______
Grade 5 – Number Sense
______
Teacher Scoring Guide – Task 2
4
Advanced
The criteria for a score of Proficient are successfully met.
 More advanced work is included. For example, the student
compares the two sets of fractions. Other examples
include:
_________________________________________________

3




2
Proficient
Pictures are drawn to represent all the fractions.
Equivalent fractions are written.
All math is correct.
No coaching is needed.
Basic
One fraction is written for Martin’s money, but the equivalent
fraction could not be written.
OR
 The pictures do not represent the equivalent fractions for
Travis or Martin.
 Significant coaching is needed.
 More work is needed.

1


Below Basic
It is unclear what the student completed.
The task should be repeated.
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Student Scoring Guide – Task 2
I drew pictures to show how the fractions are equal.
I wrote the correct fractions.
I didn’t need any help from the teacher.
I think I did an extra great job because:
_________________________________________________
I needed help seeing how the fractions are equal.
It was hard to draw without help.
I will keep trying because I am almost there.

I did not understand what to do.
I will ask questions and try again.
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Task 3: Martin’s game
Martin’s favorite game is throwing balls and
knocking the bottles down. He is very good at the
game.
When he played the first time, he knocked 7/10 of
the bottles down.
When he played the second time, he knocked 4/5
of the bottles down.
1. Compare the first and second throws. Use
greater than or less than.
______________________________________
2. Now guess what fraction of the bottles he
knocked down the third time. Write this number
as a fraction. How did you get your guess?
______________________________________
3. Compare the second and third throws. Use
greater than or less than.
______________________________________
4. Draw a picture comparing these three fractions
on the back of your page.
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Teacher Scoring Guide – Task 3
4
Advanced
The criteria for a score of Proficient are successfully met.
 More advanced work is included.
For example, the pictures
show equivalent fractions (ten bottles instead of five
bottles). Other examples include:
_________________________________________________

3



2



1


Proficient
Two correct comparisons are written using greater than or less
than.
The pictures accurately compare the fractions.
No coaching is needed.
Basic
The student demonstrates an understanding of greater than
and less than, but is unable to show it with a comparison or
with a picture.
Significant coaching is needed.
More practice with the symbols is needed.
Below Basic
The student shows no understanding of the concept of greater
than and less than when discussing the fractions.
The task should be repeated.
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Student Scoring Guide – Task 3
I wrote comparisons without any help from my teacher.
I compared the fractions.
I did not need help from the teacher.
I think I did an extra great job because:
I needed help drawing or writing comparisons.
I will keep trying because I am almost there.

I did not understand what to do.
I will ask questions and try again.
Grade 5 – Number Sense
Grade 5 – Number Sense