Add and Subtract Fractions with a Real-World Math Project

If your students moan and groan at the thought of another adding and subtracting fractions worksheet, then put them back on the shelf and reach for this real-world math project instead!

This resource uses an authentic, real-world scenario to immerse your students in multiple fractions concepts.

The Scenario

A popular home renovation show is holding a design competition. School children around the country have been asked to submit designs for a colorful floor rug to be featured in a newly-renovated home. Your class has decided to enter. If your class design is chosen, it will be made into a rug and then featured on the show. Your teacher has asked each student in your class to submit a design for the floor rug. The class will then vote on the best design. The most popular design will be entered into the competition.

The Task

In this task, students will design a colorful floor rug to be entered into the home renovation show’s design competition. By completing the investigation, the students will:

• Create fractions
• Order fractions
• Place fractions on a number line
• Create greater and less than statements using fractions
• Add and subtract fractions

You’ll find everything you need to implement this adding and subtracting fractions maths project in your classroom in the comprehensive student workbook. The workbook contains the following:

• Teacher notes, detailing a range of important information about the investigation
• A detailed description of the investigation for students, including step-by-step instructions
• Two blank floor rug templates
• Two recording and analyzing worksheets
• Reflection questions

Differentiate This Fractions Project

Implementing student-led project work can be challenging, so it’s important to cater to individual learning needs. Before delving into this project with your class, check out our recommendations for how to keep your less-confident students AND your high-fliers engaged and on track to succeed!

• Supporting Students—Less-confident students could be supported in their learning by consulting with a teacher or teacher aide during the planning process. Alternatively, the task could be simplified by reducing the number of squares on the design template before commencing.
• Extending Students – More-capable students could be encouraged to increase the sophistication of their design by splitting numerous squares in half vertically, horizontally or diagonally. Students could also be challenged to write a series of addition and subtraction questions based on their color choices.

Download to Add and Subtract Fractions

Access the printable student workbook via the Download button at the top of the page. To save paper, we recommend that you print the workbook as a double-sided document.

Be sure to remove the teacher notes and answer pages before making workbooks for your students.

Click for More Real-World Maths Projects 

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