Curriculum topics:
 Compare Parts of
a Whole
 Equivalent
Fractions
 Recognize, Name,
and Compare
Fractions
 Add, Subtract,
and Compare
Fractions
FLIP OVER
FRACTIONS
Identify fractions and fraction equivalents
Subject: Math
Grade range: 2 – 8
In this colorful activity, players use “bricks” to build “fraction walls.”
In the process, they master equivalent fractions and gain problemsolving and creative thinking skills. This activity can be used by
individual students, or turned into exciting opportunities for teamwork
and competition!
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Resource Area for
Teaching (RAFT) helps
educators transform the
learning experience
through affordable
“hands-on” activities
that engage students
and inspire the joy and
discovery of learning.
For more ideas and to
see RAFT Locations
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© 2014, RAFT
http://www.raft.net/raft-idea?isid=583
Materials required
(if using a RAFT Kit)


1 pre-made set of “Fraction Bricks”
20 tokens



1 four-sided die
1 twelve-sided die
4 stickers



Ruler
Permanent marker
2 spinners labeled: (1,2,3,4) and
(2,3,4,5,6,8,10,12,“free choice”),
or 2 dice as described above
(if creating your own set)

9 Paper or cardboard strips per team,
uniform width, 30 cm (12”) long,
different colors each side, preferred
Scissors

How to assemble your own set
If using a RAFT Kit, go to Step 3 of Assembly.
1
Cut the paper strips into fractions as follows: cut one strip each in 1/2’s, 1/3rds, 1/4ths, 1/5ths,
1/6ths, 1/8ths, 1/10ths, and 1/12ths. Leave one strip uncut.
2
Label one side of each strip with its fractional equivalent (1/2, etc.). If using strips with a different
color on each side, make sure the labels are all on the same side.
3
Use stickers to cover the 1, 7, 9, and 11 on the twelve-sided die (if used).
Playing the game (for 2 players)
1
2
Two players share one set of “Fraction Bricks”. Arrange the bricks in a “wall,” with the fractions
face up. (See illustration at the bottom of page 1.)
To decide who goes first, each player rolls both dice to create a fraction:
Numerator
=
number from four-sided die
--------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
Denominator =
number from twelve-sided die
The smallest fraction starts the game.
Note: If a player rolls a number on the twelve-sided die covered by a sticker, then the player
gets a “free choice” for the denominator: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, or 12. If the stickers are not on the
die, place them as described in “How-to” Step 3 (above).
Note: If a player rolls an improper fraction (numerator greater than denominator), then the
player can elect to play it or “roll again” if he or she is not familiar with improper fractions.

The first player rolls both dice to create a new fraction (as described above).
4
After the fraction is rolled, the player finds face up brick(s) which equal it and flips them face
down. For example, if 1/4 was rolled, then a 1/4 piece can be flipped face-down.
3
Tip for players: Use equivalent fractions to increase your move options (see “Advanced
Strategies” on page 3).
Flip Over Fractions, page 2
© 2014, RAFT
Playing the game (continued)
Players take turns rolling the dice and flipping fraction bricks. A player who is unable to find
pieces matching his or her fraction (or an equivalent fraction) must “pass” without flipping any
pieces.
5
Whenever a player flips over the last face-up piece in a row, he or she receives a token.
6
When all the bricks are face down, count the tokens. The player with the most tokens wins!
7
Advanced Strategies
Strategy #1: Use Equivalent Fractions to make your move
A player who rolls a 2 on the numerator die and a 4 on the denominator die can choose to flip over any
one set of bricks that are equivalent to 2/4. Some possible choices are:
– One ½ brick
– Two ¼ bricks
– Four ⅛ bricks
– One ¼ and two ⅛ bricks
Strategy #2: Use Equivalent Fractions to get small bricks back in play
A player might notice that two 1/4 bricks are still face up, but four 1/8 pieces have been flipped over
(see “Before”). Prior to completing his or her turn, the player may turn the smaller pieces face-up again
(making them available for use) as long as the player also flips an equivalent value of available pieces
face down (see “After”). No tokens are awarded for this exchange.
Before exchange:
1
4
After exchange:
1
4
1
8
1
8
1
8
1
8
Note that the large brick (equal to 1) can used to make an exchange.
The math behind the activity
Flip over Fractions builds important math skills:






recognize, name, and compare unit fractions
recognize fractions of a whole and parts of a whole
add and subtract simple fractions
manipulate equivalent factions (fractions that name the same value)
expand problem-solving abilities
develop teamwork and cooperative learning skills
Flip Over Fractions, page 3
© 2014, RAFT
Curriculum
Standards:
Understand and
compare fractions
(Common Core Math
Standards: Number &
Operations - Fractions,
Grade 3, 1, 2, & 3;
Grade 4, 1, 2, & 3)
Fractions as parts of a
whole
(Common Core Math
Standards: Grade 3,
Geometry, 2)
Add and Subtract
fractions with unlike
denominators
(Common Core Math
Standards: Grade 5,
Number & Operations Fractions, 1)
Learn more

Challenge individuals or teams to compete – who can finish their wall
first? Who can earn the most tokens?

Invite players to make their own bricks. Provide a sample of each type, or
have them calculate the required lengths and mark strips for cutting.

Use dice or spinners labeled with percents or decimals – players convert
to fractions before flipping over bricks.

Use two six-sided blank dice:
o Cut one strip in half, one in thirds, one in fourths, one in sixths, one in
eighths, and one in twelfths. Leave one uncut.
o Label the sides of one blank die 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, and 4 (numerator).
o Label the other blank die 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12 (denominator).
o Play the game as previously described.
Related activities: See RAFT Idea Sheets:
Frack Jack –
http://www.raft.net/ideas/Frack Jack.pdf
The Fraction Action Game! –
http://www.raft.net/ideas/Fraction Action Game.pdf
Fraction Action Plus –
http://www.raft.net/ideas/Fraction Action Plus.pdf
Fraction Race! –
http://www.raft.net/ideas/Fraction Race.pdf
Make a Spinner (Give It a Spin) –
http://www.raft.net/ideas/Give it a Spin.pdf
Resources
Visit www.raft.net/raft-idea?isid=583 for “how-to” video demos & more ideas!
See these websites for more information on the following topics:
Additional standards at:
http://www.raft.net/raftidea?isid=583
Flip Over Fractions, page 4

Fraction lessons – http://www.instructorweb.com/basicskills/fractions.asp

Build a fraction – http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build-a-fraction

Equivalent fraction online activity –
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=80

Fraction games – http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/fractiongames.html

Videos and exercises on fractions from the Khan Academy –https://www.khanacademy.org/math/arithmetic/fractions

Teacher designed math courses from the New Jersey Center for
Teaching & Learning – https://njctl.org/courses/math
Acknowledgements:
Inspired by the March 2008, issue of NCTM Mathematics Teaching in the
Middle School Magazine.
© 2014, RAFT