Fraction Action

Help students practice simplifying fractions with a simple card game.

First, create or purchase a deck of blank cards (2.5" x 3.5" works well).
You'll need something to write with that won't show through the backs of the cards.
Then choose fifteen common fractions that are in simplest form. For instance: 1/6, 5/6, 1/5, 2/5, 3/5, 4/5, 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 7/8, 1/3 and 2/3.
For each fraction, make four to six additional cards with fractions that reduce to one of your key cards. For example, the set for 1/2 might also include 3/6, 4/8, 2/4, 5/10, 6/12, and 10/20.
Shuffle the cards and deal 7 to each player.
Put the remaining cards face down in the middle of the table.
Turn the top card face up beside the pile.
Play the game like Rummy. Players take turns choosing the top card from either the facedown pile or the discard pile. When a player has three or more matching fractions, they may be laid down for a score.
Players may also lay down any cards they get that match opponents' sets of three or more.
At the end of the turn, each player must discard.
The game ends when one player runs out of cards.
Count the scoring cards that were laid down.
The player with the most correct wins.