Title: Escape From Fraction Manor

Purpose: Comparing and ordering fractions, including improper fractions

Grade level/TEKS Reference: 5th and up

5(2)Number, operation, and quantitative reasoning. The student uses fractions in problem-solving situations. The student is expected to:

(B)generate a mixed number equivalent to a given improper fraction or generate an improper fraction equivalent to a given mixed number;

(C)compare two fractional quantities in problem-solving situations using a variety of methods, including common denominators; and

Length of time necessary for Game: 15 minutes or longer depending on skill level and desire to continue to play

Number of Participants: 1 player minimum

Source for Game:

Directions:

In this game, you are a cat who is trying to get out of spooky Fraction Manor. In order to do this, you must move through the castle to collect puzzle pieces. Once you obtain the allotted pieces per level, you are asked to solve three fraction problems. You must solve all three in order to move to the next level. There are a total of four levels.

As you move through the castle, you encounter many things: “F” puzzle pieces (all are needed to get to the fraction problems); pumpkins which can earn you bonus points; and Frankenstein guards which can take a life (if they run into you) or they can earn you bonus points (if you jump on them from above).

To move forward and backward, you use the left and right arrow key. To jump, you use the space bar.

Note: at the bottom of the screen, there is a running tally of 1) what level you are on, 2) how many lives you have, 3)your score, and 4) how many puzzle pieces/cards you still need to collect for the level.

  1. Follow the link to the website, and click on “Start”.
  2. The next screen reviews the information given above. Click on “Start” to begin
  3. Collect your puzzle pieces, then answer the fraction questions in order to move to the next level.

Puzzle 1: Number tiles at the top of the screen must be made into 3 fractions that need to be in a given order. There are 3 problems in this puzzle.

Puzzle 2: In this puzzle the first and last fraction are given in a 4-fraction relationship and the number tiles must be manipulated to make the middle 2 fractions to make the relationship true.

Puzzle 3: This is when the game gets a little tricky. The number tiles must be placed to make a relationship true. The difference is that the numbers must be placed into fractions that will add up to be between two whole numbers. For example: 0 < (a/b + c/d) < 1. This puzzle requires the use of improper fractions.

Puzzle 4: In the last puzzle, the fraction template that must be filled in looks similar to the one in puzzle 3. The difference is that it doesn’t have any whole numbers; 2 of the numbers are already filled in, and every number tile must be used. This makes it more difficult because the numbers have to be in the exact places for the relationship to be true.

Adapted by: Kandace London (2011)

Directions modified by: Ibet Caro (2012)