Mind Sparks Fraction Frenzy, Assorted Colors, Assorted Sizes, 60 Blocks

More Info

Whether you are learning in the classroom or at home, Fraction Frenzy™ is a visual and hands-on way to understand the basics of fractions. With 60 pieces total, have fun breaking down and creating different fraction blocks with 1⁄1, 1⁄2, 1⁄3, 1⁄4, 1⁄5, 1⁄6, 1⁄8, 1⁄9, 1⁄10, and 1⁄12 pieces. Stack one fraction together, or combine different fractions to create a whole. Let’s start building!

Use the 1⁄1 or whole block as a point of reference. Each fraction compiles into a 3" x 3" block to make a whole. Stack each fraction in the plastic holder for guidance as you create your whole. For basic learning, have younger children count how many blocks make a whole to figure out the denominator of the fraction.

On the opposite side of every block is the decimal equivalent for each fraction. Learn about how a fraction is a division problem. Use the blocks as a visual representation to understand the relationship between fractions and decimals.

For more advanced play, mix different fraction blocks to make a whole. See how many 1⁄8's are in a half, and how many 1⁄4's are in a half.

Instead of making a whole, you can also use different fraction and decimal blocks to make equivalents.

Use a dry erase board and marker, or paper and pencil, to create equations of your own with the blocks. For more advanced play, write down and incorporate fractions that go beyond 1⁄12 in your equations!

Core Standards

Extra practice in these core standards for grades 3 through 5:

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.1
Understand a fraction 1/b as the quantity formed by 1 part when a whole is partitioned into b equal parts; understand a fraction a/b as the quantity formed by a parts of size 1/b.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3
Explain equivalence of fractions in special cases, and compare fractions by reasoning about their size.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.A
Understand two fractions as equivalent (equal) if they are the same size, or the same point on a number line.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.B
Recognize and generate simple equivalent fractions, e.g., 1/2 = 2/4, 4/6 = 2/3. Explain why the fractions are equivalent, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.NF.A.3.D
Compare two fractions with the same numerator or the same denominator by reasoning about their size. Recognize that comparisons are valid only when the two fractions refer to the same whole. Record the results of comparisons with the symbols >, =, or <, and justify the conclusions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.A.1
Explain why a fraction a/b is equivalent to a fraction (n × a)/(n × b) by using visual fraction models, with attention to how the number and size of the parts differ even though the two fractions themselves are the same size. Use this principle to recognize and generate equivalent fractions.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.B.3.B
Decompose a fraction into a sum of fractions with the same denominator in more than one way, recording each decomposition by an equation. Justify decompositions, e.g., by using a visual fraction model. Examples: 3/8 = 1/8 + 1/8 + 1/8 ; 3/8 = 1/8 + 2/8 ; 2 1/8 = 1 + 1 + 1/8 = 8/8 + 8/8 + 1/8.