Today I was ask to give a different take on multiplying and dividing fractions. I decided that an activity using some games based learning and a collaborative portal would add a different take on what a math (maths…) class might look like.
The idea was to using Wii Sports – Bowling to collect data and look at fractions. Bowling is perfect for fractions, you have instant access to how many pins are knocked down out of a total – 7/10, 8/10, etc.
The students were looking at multiplying fractions by a whole number and by other fractions.
They had some previous instruction in how to multiply by a whole number, but not by another fraction. Because there was a new concept one of the pages on the wiki was resources on how to multiply fractions. I put videos, games, and some easier fraction activities for those struggling a bit to build confidence and basic skills.
Students took turns having a turn at bowling a frame, then took the numbers they created from their turn and turned them into a multiplication question. They then put the questions on the wiki for others to answer.
After posting several questions they could then go into the discussion tab and try their hand at answering the questions. They were working in pairs, on one computer. Students took turns bowling, while the others were posting questions, answering questions, or working through the other games and activities.
They had to work out how to multiply fractions with the materials, with the examples, and with the work of the other students. It wasn’t about the teacher standing to deliver instruction, then students sitting quietly to work out answers on paper. Some choose to work on paper, then post on the wiki, some didn’t, they had the choice!
The work was very collaborative, the work was very fun, and the students were learning to multiply fractions!