The Illuminations Fraction game is an online game that tackles fractions. The object of the game is to move all of the markers to the right side of the game board while using as few cards as possible. Students click on the pile to turn over a card. The overturned card is the target fraction. Students then move the markers so the sum of the moves is a fraction that is less than or equal to the target fraction. This game, which is simple to play, can be played online with two players and helps students understand the relationships between fractions. It also helps them visualize equivalent fractions.
This one-player games challenges students to find coordinates on a space-themed grid. Four planets are displayed on the grid. Players must pass through each planet as they travel through space. To win, students must find the coordinates of the four planets and the equation of the line that connects them. This online game offers three levels of difficulty, making it easy for teachers to challenge students at various levels of achievement.
"Algebra Towers" is an online version of "Tower of Hanoi." This puzzle features three spindles and a stack of discs. The largest disc is on the bottom of the stack. Students must move all of the discs from the original spindle to a new spindle in as few moves as possible. Students must never put a larger disc on top of a smaller one. Algebra is explored as players determine the pattern between the number of discs and the moves they need. Teachers can challenge students to express the pattern as a function.
Scale models can be used to explore a variety of middle school math concepts. Models use ratios and students can utilize them to determine formulas. Students get hands-on with the material when teachers incorporate a project into the lesson, such as constructing a scale model for the school building, home or neighborhood. For a challenge, take a scale model and determine the object's life-sized dimensions.