Run the Fraction Track

A track around the blacktop is split into eight equal sections with colored cones, and students run the fraction of a lap shown on each card. They build endurance and pacing while seeing fractions, equivalent fractions and fraction addition with their own bodies.

How to play

1. Mark a loop of about 260 feet around the area with a cone about every 33 feet: red at the start, blue at the halfway point, yellow at the quarters and green at the eighths (3 min).
2. In pairs, everyone starts at the red cone. The teacher shows a card, such as "3/4", and each pair runs that fraction of a lap and stops at the cone they think is right (3 min).
3. Check together: is everyone at the same cone? Repeat with "1/2," "5/8," "2/4" and "4/8," and talk about why some fractions land you in the same spot (4 min).
4. Addition relays: one partner runs the first fraction on the card, such as 1/2, and the other starts from there and runs the second, 1/4. Together they must say where they ended up (4 min).
5. Final challenge in groups of 4: each student draws a card, and the group decides the order to complete exactly one lap, or two, together (3 min).
6. Walk back to the start while each pair explains one fraction that was tricky (1 min).

Rules

• Always run the same direction, outside the cones, passing on the outside.
• Each pair stops at one cone and doesn't switch after looking at others.
• Anyone who needs to catch their breath walks along the edge of the loop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student travels a smaller inner loop also split into eighths, or serves as the judge who checks the cones.
• Shyness or autism: keep the same partner throughout and preview each round's cards ahead of time.
• Fitness level: students who need less load power-walk the big fractions and run only the small ones.

Learning goals

• Represent fractions as parts of a full lap.
• Recognize equivalent fractions and add simple fractions.
• Pace running efforts of different lengths.

Equipment for a class of 25

• colored cones: 8
• cardstock: 30

Teacher tip

Measure the loop before class so sections are equal. Alternate long and short fractions so students can recover.

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