Description
These fraction operations activities are a great way to practice and review 5th grade math skills including subtracting & adding fractions with unlike denominators, multiplying fractions by whole numbers, fractions, and mixed-numbers, interpreting fractions as division, and dividing unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions. Each spy-themed math mission focuses on standards-based operations with fractions skills. These fraction activities include both print and digital escape rooms.
The printable version of these escape rooms includes both color and black & white versions and all are low prep and easy to implement. If you don’t have time for a full escape room, the printable puzzles can also be used as task cards, math stations, small-group activities, or exit tickets to reinforce fraction operations skills throughout the year.
The digital escape rooms are fully self-checking and have no clues to hide. They are extremely easy to implement and can be completed in person, virtually, or in a hybrid classroom. The breakout process is automated through a Google Form™, but you do not need Google Classroom™ or student email accounts to use this activity. Any student with a device and internet access can complete this activity. There is the option to create your own copy of the form for schools that require Google Forms™ to originate from within their system. *Please make sure that your school district does not block Google Forms™.
- In Operation Secure the Safe House, students use their knowledge of multiplying fractions by mixed numbers, whole numbers, and other fractions including finding the area of rectangles with fractional side lengths and interpreting multiplication as scaling.
- Operation Common Denominator has students racing to find the mole within the agency by adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators to eliminate suspects. *This activity does not involve mixed-numbers.
- In Operation Emergency Extraction, students race to use their knowledge of fractions as division to rescue an undercover agent whose cover has been compromised. Solving real-world problems and simplifying solutions (reducing) are key skills
- In Operation Lift the Lockdown, students search for the source of a glitch by dividing unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions. Visual models are included with some puzzles, and solving word problems with unit fraction division need to be solved.
What’s included in the PDFs?
- Quick start guide with links to the digital escape rooms
- Optional link for Google Drive™ users to create a copy of the form to save to their own drives in order to view student results
- Black and white printable puzzles
- Color printable puzzles
- Answer key & teacher tips
FAQ
Do students need to have Gmail™ accounts for the digital version? NO! Anyone with internet access and a tablet, computer, or even phone can complete the breakout.
How long will these take? That is the hardest question as the answer varies depending on each classroom, student, or group. Most students will be able to complete each activity in around 45 minutes. You can allow 60 minutes to be safe. The form will not save student data, so if you are worried about your students not finishing on time, simply have them write their answers on scratch paper. They can then come back and quickly re-enter their answers and pick up where they left off. Some students with a firm grasp on the concepts covered in this escape room will be able to complete the puzzles very quickly (20-30 minutes), others will take longer.
Will students have to search the web to figure out the puzzles? NO! All of the information needed will be provided in the Google Form™. The math in this activity is all standards-based.
