Lesson: Wild Democracy

Play the video “Wild Dogs Sneeze to Vote.” Then, before or after reading the article, spark a discussion based on the following questions:

• How do you think groups of animals communicate with each other?
• Do you think some animals prefer to work in groups or operate alone? Explain.

• What are some ways we can compare fractions? (Answers will vary. Possible answers: Draw a model, use a number line, compare the numerators and denominators.)
• We can also use benchmark fractions to help us compare fractions. A benchmark fraction is a common fraction that we can measure or judge against, like 1/4 or 1/2. A common benchmark fraction to begin with is 1/2.
• Write down  7/12. What is half of the denominator? (6) That means 6/12 is equivalent to 1/2.
• A number line is a helpful tool to use when working with fractions. Mark 6/12 and 7/12 on a number line. Is 7/12 less than, equal to, or greater than 1/2?  (greater than 1/2 )

• How did the number line prove that 3/4 was greater than 3/8? (3/4  is equal to 6/8 and that fraction is greater than 3/8.)
• What are some other comparison statements you could make about 3/8 compared with the benchmark fractions shown on the number line? (Answers will vary. Possible answers: 3/8 > 1/4 ; 3/8 < 1/2)

Have students complete problems 1 through 4 on pages 7-9 of the article.

Skills Sheets: Level Down: Benchmark Fraction Sort (3.NF.A.1, 4.NF.A.2) | On Level: DynaDash: Comparing Fractions With Benchmarks (4.NF.A.2) | Level Up: Equivalent Fraction Match (4.NF.A.1)

Game: Wild Math Maze

SEL (Social-emotional learning activity/prompt): This article discussed ways that groups of animals make decisions. Have students reflect on a group project that they worked on in the past and think about how decisions were made within the group. Then have students respond to this prompt: How can you respectfully let others know that you disagree?

Dynamath@Home: Have students use paper plates to make different sets of fractions. First, cut a paper plate in half to create a benchmark fraction. Then fold and cut 3 different plates to make fourths, sixths, and eighths. Use these fraction plates to sort different fractions into piles greater than ¹/₂ and less than ¹/₂.