Comparing fractions worksheets and benchmark fractions practice for 4th grade make up this no prep CSI Mini Mystery Detective math pack of ten printable cases with a space theme. It's fraction practice for comparing fractions with unlike denominators, the same numerator or the same denominator. Use these math activities in math centers, for morning work or homework, or with early finishers. Answer keys are included.
Every case takes place on a space station, with fuel tanks, food packs and star maps to compare. Students write their answer, find that fraction on a suspect badge and cross the name off. That makes each page self-checking. On most questions both fractions appear somewhere on the suspect list, and students have to compare to find the right one.
What's Inside
- Ten one-page detective cases on comparing fractions, each with an answer key
- Five cases that ask for the GREATER fraction and five that ask for the LESSER fraction, clearly marked on every page
- Cases that build from same denominator and same numerator to matching denominators, benchmark fractions and mixed pages
- A reference page with a worked example for every strategy
- A contents page, teacher instructions, a detective case log and a certificate of achievement
- 30 black and white pages, ready to print
The Cases
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The Drained Fuel Tank - same denominator, write the greater
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The Stolen Space Food - same denominator, write the lesser
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The Drifting Satellite - same numerator, write the greater
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The Moon Buggy Joyride - same numerator, write the lesser
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The Scrambled Star Map - make the denominators match
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The Silent Radio Dish - matching denominators, write the lesser
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The Uninvited UFO - compare to one half and one whole
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The Green Goo Spill - benchmark fractions, write the lesser
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The Shuttle Lockout - mixed strategies, write the greater
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The Asteroid Alarm - mixed strategies, write the lesser
When to Use This Resource
The ten cases start with same denominators and same numerators, then move to matching denominators, benchmark fractions and mixed strategies. You can run the pack alongside a comparing fractions unit from the first lesson to the last. Each strategy has a greater case and a lesser case, which gives two rounds of practice. Every page stands on its own and works as a quick check. Other places it fits: guided math groups, sub plans, fraction review before a test, and back to school practice.
Grade Levels
Written for 4th grade, where comparing fractions with different numerators and denominators is taught. The first four cases suit 3rd graders comparing fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator, and the whole pack is a quick review for 5th graders before adding and subtracting fractions.
Why Teachers Love Mystery Detectives
- Print and hand out. There's nothing to prep.
- Self-checking. A right answer crosses off a suspect.
- Greater and lesser cases side by side
- A space station story in every case
- Prints in black and white
Want more cases like these?
Follow Kiwiland Education to discover more CSI Mini Mystery Detective cases, no-prep math activities, and detective-themed printables for elementary classrooms.
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