Fraction Sudoku
Age group
- Primary (Age 6 to 9)
- Junior/Intermediate (Age 9 to 12)
Curriculum Goal
Primary: Number Sense
Represent and solve fair-share problems that focus on determining and using equivalent fractions, including problems that involve halves, fourths, and eighths; thirds and sixths; and fifths and tenths.
Junior: Number Sense
- Represent equivalent fractions from halves to twelfths, including improper fractions and mixed numbers, using appropriate tools, in various contexts.
- Compare and order fractions from halves to twelfths, including improper fractions and mixed numbers, in various contexts.
- Use equivalent fractions to simplify fractions, when appropriate, in various contexts.
Related Links
Context
- Children should be familiar with different representations of fractions.
- e.g. number line, fraction strips, etc.
- Children should be familiar with the parts of a fraction, such as numerator and denominator.
Materials
In person
- Fraction cards (Appendix A)
- Chart paper divided into the sudoku grid
Online
- Game file 1 (playingcards.io)
- Game file 2 (playingcards.io)
- Game file 3 (playingcards.io)
- Game file 4 (playingcards.io)
Lesson
- Display the 4×4 fraction sudoku puzzle on the board (in-person or online) and introduce the rules of the game to the class.
- The goal of the game is to fill the sudoku puzzle while following these rules:
- Each row must contain all the fractions without repetition.
- Each column must contain all the fractions without repetition.
- Each 2×2 box must contain all the fractions without repetition.
- Start solving the puzzle as a class. Encourage children to explain their reasoning out loud.
- Ask the children to form small groups. Provide the fraction sudoku materials or game links to each group.
- Students work collaboratively to complete the puzzle.
- Provide support and guidance as needed. Encourage children to use logical reasoning and check their work.
- Ask the children to reflect on their experiences with the game. Pose the following questions to the class:
- Did you find the game challenging or fun?
- What did you learn from the game?
- Which strategies did you use to fill the board?
Look Fors
- What strategies are the children using to place the tiles? How are they checking their answers?
- Are students able to convert between different representations of fractions in gameplay?
- What language do students use to refer to the fractions? Do they say “1 over 2” or “half”?
- Did students complete the puzzle successfully?
- After collecting the completed puzzles, assess the following understanding: Did students convert between different representations of fractions?
Extension
- Offer larger puzzles (e.g. 6×6 board) with more complex fractions.
- Have children create their own fraction sudoku puzzles and swap amongst themselves.
- Incorporate a short exit ticket that involves matching fractions to their corresponding representations.