Get Your Students Subtracting Fractions with Unlike Denominators

If you’re looking for an engaging and challenging resource to get your students subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, then look no further than this interactive maze perfect for your next fractions lesson!

This fun digital maze activity set in the fictional Fractional Maze National Park has been designed by our passionate teacher team to allow your students to practise subtracting fractions with unlike denominators. Students are led through the maze by Fractional Maze National Park’s friendly park rangers. The maze consists of 20 different intersections (questions) that require students to solve a subtraction equation. Each intersection provides three new potential routes that the students can follow; however, only the correct answer will lead them forward in the maze! The incorrect answers lead to dead ends and force students to turn back and try again.

The questions in the maze are presented in a number of different ways. This helps familiarise students with the different strategies that can be used to solve such equations. These include:

• Number lines
• Fraction tiles
• Written algorithms
• Word problems

This resource contains two files that need to be downloaded separately. The first download is the interactive maze. This is available in either a Microsoft PowerPoint file or a Google Slides file. This can be projected onto your interactive screen or assigned to your students in Google Classroom. The second download is a recording sheet for students in an easy-to-print PDF format. This file also contains the answers, so be sure to remove them before distributing them to students!

Multiple Benefits of This Subtracting Fractions Game

It can be tempting to reach for yet another worksheet when teaching maths concepts that require drill and practice. But there is another way! Here are some of the ways your students will benefit from their interaction with this digital fractions maze:

• Technology for Increased Engagement – Any teacher or parent knows that students love interacting with anything that involves technology! Digital resources capture students’ attention from the outset and often lead to increased engagement.
• Immediate Feedback – Digital mazes can provide immediate feedback on students’ responses to fractions questions. This instant feedback allows students to identify how well they are coping with the concepts presented and whether they need to seek additional support.
• Collaborate for Success—Working through this digital maze as a class is a great way to enhance communication and teamwork. Students can solve the equations together and decide which path to follow next.

Download to Subtract Fractions with Unlike Denominators

Use the Download button to access this resource. Remember, you will need both the interactive maze file and the printable recording sheet.

Please be aware that you will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides file and save it to your personal drive before accessing it.

Be sure to operate the presentation in Slideshow mode.

This resource was created by Michael Bailey, a Teach Starter collaborator.

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