Fractions Escape (equivalent fractions) can be played as a single-player or multiplayer game. It helps the players identify and practice equivalent fractions with visual help. A low-floor high ceiling game that can be played by all students. Some students will start with simple fractions and some will move on to the more difficult ones where the visual has to be verified with calculations. (multiplication and division)
Find Equivalent fractions activity cards here
The goal is to be the first player to escape all the rooms.
Material:
- Print-out of the game board
- One dice
- Two place markers for each player (small objects, transparent ones like counters will work better as they will not hide the fraction visuals. We cut pieces from transparent colored shampoo and soap bottles and they work very well)
How to play
The players place their markers (both) on any (same) tile in the inner smallest room. The players roll the dice to decide which one goes first. The players take turns rolling the dice. At their turn, they move any of their markers (one at each turn) in any direction as many steps as the dice roll. The goal is to land their two markers on two equivalent (different) fractions. Once they do that they escape the room and on their next turn, they can start on any tile in the next room. The board above has two rooms. The Challenge one has three.
The first player to exit all the rooms is the winner.
Low floor-High Ceiling
Some students will choose to land their markers on whole number fractions or 1/2, 1/3 which are easier to match visually. This will help them start and slowly they will try more “difficult” fractions. Challenge high-ceiling students to match more “difficult” fractions for which you need to verify the equivalence not just by comparing them visually but also by applying multiplication and division.
Did you know? The wonderful multiplication table is filled with equivalent fractions. Ask your students to think about it, or discover it. Good math discussions. (both numerator and denominator are multiplied by the same number)
As I have mentioned many times, I believe that math games should be opportunities to learn, (often from each other), have fun, and socialize. If a game feels like a test it discourages students and lowers their confidence. Playing games at home with parents is very different than playing games at school and educators must be careful with the choice of games and should always provide ways for all students to have a positive experience. (like providing cheat sheets and visuals)
The players can also use the fraction cards above to help them compare fractions and understand better. The cards are a great way to start. There are two games in this post as well which are easier for players since the cards can be placed next to each other to visually compare.
Find the gameboards below
Find the challenge board with three escape rooms and 2 cheat sheets-posters here
Check out these interactive escape room adventures to review fractions.
