Fraction War!

Grade Level(s): 3^rd Grade

Content Area:                                                                        Process Area:

Numbers and Operations                                           Problem-Solving

Algebra                                                           Reasoning and Proof

Geometry                                                                    Communication

Measurement                                                             Representation

Data Analysis, Statistics, and Probability                    Connections

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3 Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.

Targeted Needs of Student:

Practicing with abstract fractions, simplifying, a new way to look at fractions, improper fractions

Goal:

Providing students with practice simplifying fractions and working with improper fractions.

Materials Needed:

1.      Deck of cards

2.      Paper with line on it to show fractions

3.      Writing utensils

Explanation/Summary:

In pairs, students will split a deck of cards and then play the game “War!” But instead of seeing who wins, both students will use the number of on the cards to simplify a fraction. For instance, if one student puts down a 4 and then the other student has a 6, then the fraction will be 4/6 which simplifies to 2/3. Also, if they have an improper fraction then the students will have to write it correctly. Both students will first write the original fraction and then the simplified fraction on their paper. They will play for the allotted time. Note: Make sure to take out the Jokers, Queens, Kings, and Aces from the deck and also make sure to clarify that the students will be sitting next to each other and drawing cards instead of sitting across from one another. This will help to have the fraction one way instead of each student having a different fraction.

Resource:

www.education.com