Idea Galaxy

Adventures in Junior High and Mathematics

fractions

8 Awesome Activities for Dividing Fractions

by

By the time students get to dividing fractions they’ve already had a fair amount of interaction with fractions, and many students have a fear or dislike for fractions. I feel that dividing fractions is a topic that can help give students some confidence with fractions because it’s not too hard. All students have to do is flip the second fractions and then multiply across. I love teaching this topic because even reluctant students can be successful quickly.

So, if you’re looking for new ways to teach and practice dividing fractions, check out these 8 easy-to-use activities!

[Read more…] about 8 Awesome Activities for Dividing Fractions

10 Greatest Common Factor Activities that Rock

by

Fractions and factors can seem intimidating for many students. I’m sure you’ve seen it- the look of fear and panic in students’ eyes when they’re asked to do new things with fractions. Some of this stems from our own relationship with fractions and the way we present, or frame, learning about them. If we show a lack of enthusiasm when we teach about the greatest common factors, students pick up on that.

The teacher who taught me fractions treated them like any other numbers. She didn’t say anything about how tough fractions are, or how some kids really struggle with them. As a result, we just learned them without being afraid of them. Today I want to share with you 10 activities that make finding the greatest common factors of fractions fun for both students and teachers.

[Read more…] about 10 Greatest Common Factor Activities that Rock

10 Ways to Practice Converting Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers

by

Ever since I can remember, fractions have come really easily to me. Sometimes I struggle to understand why they trip up so many students. Fractions have a certain logic and pattern to them that I find comforting and refreshing in a world filled with so much uncertainty. I feel like it’s my job to make sure that my students don’t get too afraid of fractions. I really just want them to see fractions for what they are…numbers. [Read more…] about 10 Ways to Practice Converting Improper Fractions and Mixed Numbers

14 Ways to Practice Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

by

Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators is a basic skill that students will use in math for a long time. When they get to 7th and 8th grade they have to remember how to do this in the context when they’re solving other types of problems including equations. I notice that some students just need a little reminder of how to add and subtract fractions, while other students don’t seem to remember what to do at all. [Read more…] about 14 Ways to Practice Adding and Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

11 Super Fun Activities for Simplifying Fractions

by

Students have to simplify fractions from 3rd grade on. They just keep showing up again and again. Some topics show up once or twice and then go away, but that’s not the case with simplifying fractions. I remember one particular moment with simplifying fractions that has really stuck with me. I was working with my 8th grade math lab class, and as they solved equations they had to simplify the answer. They had completed this very complicated process and then when they got to the end of it, they didn’t remember how to simplify a fraction. I got a little frustrated and said to one student, “Why do you keep learning this skill again and again? Why don’t you figure out how to remember it?” Maybe not the best approach, but I was legitimately puzzled. So, today’s post tackles simplifying fractions with eleven fun activities that will get students lots of practice, and hopefully help it stick forever! [Read more…] about 11 Super Fun Activities for Simplifying Fractions