Show students the Adding and Subtracting Fractions movie to build background knowledge.
Project the Graphic Organizer for the class to see. Review the concepts of adding and subtracting fractions, and type student responses directly into the graphic organizer.
Invite students to experiment with adding fractions in a hands-on way using fraction strips (also known as fraction bars.) Guide students to understand that each fraction strip is divided into equal sections. The total number of sections represents the denominator. The number of shaded sections represents the numerator. Have them look at the unshaded parts of target fractions to see what they need to make a sum of 1.
Encourage students to work with a partner to develop a game around adding fractions. The game's object should be to make sums of 1 and to prevent their opponent from making sums of 1. Students may create their own game boards and use fraction strips, cards, etc. to design their games.
Circulate around the room while students to work to help them problem solve and provide ideas as needed. It may be helpful for some students if you demonstrate how to play the Drop Zone game for a few minutes. Guide students to think of creative ways to develop the basic concepts from Drop Zone into their own board game.
Allow students time to develop and troubleshoot their games, then switch partners and take turns introducing their game to their new partner. Students should play one another's games with their new partner for several minutes.
Have students rejoin their original partner and debrief. They may want to jot down notes about things they'd like to change or add to the game to make game play more exciting or to correct any inaccuracies.
Introduce the Drop Zone game to students. Explain that the object of the game is the same as the game students designed. Give students 10-15 minutes to play the game with their partners.
Debrief on the game play. How are the student-created games the same or different from the Drop Zone game? Allow students to talk about additional game strategies they'd like to incorporate into their own fraction games.
Give students time to adapt their games as needed, and then hold a fractions game day in class! Allow students to rotate in partnerships through several different games (both student-created and the online Drop Zone game) to practice the key concepts.
Afterward, have students reflect orally or in writing. Which games were most useful in helping the class learn about adding fractions? Which game play strategies helped them to create one whole? How could their games be adapted to practice subtracting fractions?