26 Engage the Brain: Games • Math, Grades 6–8 978-1-4129-5926-1

Fun with Fractions

objectiveStudents will identify equivalent fractions and find the sum, difference, product, and quotient of fractions and mixed numbers.

The following fraction games include Fraction Speedway and Fraction Tic-Tac-Toe. Students will use their math skills (and a little bit of luck) to win each game by identifying equivalent fractions and finding the sum, difference, product, or quotient of fractions and mixed numbers.

fraction speedway 1. Give each group of two to four players an enlarged copy of the

fraction speedway reproducible (page 28), counters for game pieces (or have them make their own mini cars), and a copy of the Spinner reproducible (page 11) with the sections labeled 1/4, 1/3, 2/3, 3/4, 3/5, 1/4, 1/3, 2/3, 3/4, 3/5. Review with students how to use a paper clip and pencil to spin the spinner.

2. Read the directions of the game together. Players take turns spinning the spinner and moving to the next equivalent fraction on the racetrack. If a player chooses an incorrect fraction, he or she must go back to the previous spot and miss a turn. The first player to reach the finish line wins.

3. Tell students to check each other’s choices to make sure their opponents are moving to the next equivalent fraction on the racetrack and not skipping past one or choosing one that is not equivalent. Remind students that both the numerator and the denominator of equivalent fractions change by the same multiple or divisor. Explain that if a player moves to an incorrect fraction, he or she must go back to his or her previous space and skip a turn.

Variation of the GameFor an extra challenge, have students record all of the fractions they land on during the game. Ask them to add all the fractions to see who has the greatest total at the end of the game.

Materials• Fraction Speedway

reproducible

• Spinner reproducible

• counters or handmade mini racecars

• large paper clips

• pencils

Tate_Games_Math6_8_final.indd 26 2/4/2008 10:38:11 AM

Reproducible28 Engage the Brain: Games • Math, Grades 6–8 978-1-4129-5926-1 • © Corwin Press

Name Date

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the

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3 1227 45

9 3624 32

8 32

8 24

18 27

9 27 21

35

14 21

24 40

24 3636 48

12 48

12 3627 36

36 60

6 18

12 18

12 16

12 20

4 12

6 2410 15

9 12

9 15

6 8

FIN

ISH

STA

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4 162 6

8 12

Tate_Games_Math6_8_final.indd 28 2/4/2008 10:38:13 AM