KNIGHTS OF THE FRACTION TABLE
Medieval Math Tournament
Game Overview
Knights of the Fraction Table is an engaging medieval-themed mathematics game where students become knights on a quest to reach the central quintain (target) by mastering fraction operations. Players draw dominoes to create improper fractions, convert them to mixed numbers, round to the nearest whole number, and advance their knight figures along 120-bead number lines. With multiple game variations for different grade levels, strategic elements, and a rich medieval tournament atmosphere, this game transforms essential fraction skills into an exciting competitive experience.
The game combines the tactile experience of bead number lines with the randomization of dominoes to create a dynamic learning environment where students develop mathematical fluency while participating in a simulated medieval joust. As knights race toward the center quintain, students build critical fraction skills in an interactive, visually engaging format that appeals to multiple learning styles.
Common Core Standards Alignment
4th Grade Standards
Number & Operations—Fractions
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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.
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.A.2 Compare two fractions with different numerators and different denominators by creating common denominators or numerals, or by comparing to a benchmark fraction such as 1/2.
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.B.3.C Add and subtract mixed numbers with like denominators by replacing each mixed number with an equivalent fraction, and/or by using properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction.
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NF.B.4.A Understand a fraction a/b as a multiple of 1/b.
Number & Operations in Base Ten
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.4.NBT.A.3 Use place value understanding to round multi-digit whole numbers to any place.
5th Grade Standards
Number & Operations—Fractions
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.A.1 Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators (including mixed numbers) by replacing given fractions with equivalent fractions.
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.A.2 Solve word problems involving addition and subtraction of fractions referring to the same whole, including cases of unlike denominators.
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.B.3 Interpret a fraction as division of the numerator by the denominator (a/b = a ÷ b). Solve word problems involving division of whole numbers leading to answers in the form of fractions or mixed numbers.
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NF.B.4 Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication to multiply a fraction or whole number by a fraction.
Number & Operations in Base Ten
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.5.NBT.A.4 Use place value understanding to round decimals to any place.
6th Grade Standards
The Number System
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.A.1 Interpret and compute quotients of fractions, and solve word problems involving division of fractions by fractions.
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.B.3 Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals using the standard algorithm for each operation.
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.C.6 Understand a rational number as a point on the number line. Extend number line diagrams and coordinate axes to represent points with negative coordinates.
Ratios & Proportional Relationships
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.3.C Find a percent of a quantity as a rate per 100; solve problems involving finding the whole, given a part and the percent.
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CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.RP.A.3.D Use ratio reasoning to convert measurement units; manipulate and transform units appropriately when multiplying or dividing quantities.
NCTM Standards Alignment
Number and Operations
- Understand numbers, ways of representing numbers, relationships among numbers, and number systems
- Understand meanings of operations and how they relate to one another
- Compute fluently and make reasonable estimates
Algebra
- Understand patterns, relations, and functions
- Represent and analyze mathematical situations and structures using algebraic symbols
- Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships
Process Standards
- Problem Solving: Build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving
- Reasoning and Proof: Make and investigate mathematical conjectures
- Communication: Communicate mathematical thinking coherently and clearly
- Connections: Recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics
- Representation: Create and use representations to organize, record, and communicate mathematical ideas
Game Benefits and Mathematical Practices
This game supports the following mathematical practices across all grade levels:
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Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them Players must analyze the domino values and determine appropriate fraction conversions.
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Reason abstractly and quantitatively Students convert between different fraction representations (improper fractions, mixed numbers, and rounded values).
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Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others During challenges and verification phases, students must explain their mathematical thinking.
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Model with mathematics The bead number line provides a concrete model for abstract fraction concepts.
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Use appropriate tools strategically Players learn when to use scratch paper, number lines, or mental math strategies.
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Attend to precision Accurate calculations and conversions are essential for correct gameplay.
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Look for and make use of structure Players recognize patterns in fraction relationships and conversions.
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Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning Through multiple rounds, students develop fluency in fraction operations.
Game Overview
Fraction Joust is an exciting medieval-themed
mathematics game where players take on the role of knights advancing toward a
central quintain (training target) by converting domino-drawn fractions into
mixed numbers and rounding to the nearest whole. The first knight to reach the
quintain claims victory!
Educational Value
This game reinforces critical mathematics skills for 4th-6th
grade students:
- Converting
improper fractions to mixed numbers
- Rounding
to nearest whole numbers
- Understanding
number line positioning
- Mental
math fluency
- Strategic
thinking
Materials Needed
- Two
or more 120 bead number lines (one per player)
- Set
of dominoes
- Action
figures or D&D miniatures (knights/characters)
- Quintain
marker (placed at the center of each bead number line)
- Scratch
paper for calculations
- Optional:
Medieval-themed game board
- Optional:
Timer (for speed rounds)
- Optional:
Scoring cards
Game Setup
- Each
player receives:
- One
120 bead number line
- One
action figure/miniature (their "knight")
- Scratch
paper for calculations
- Place
each player's knight at opposite ends of their bead number line (0
position).
- Mark
the center position (60th bead) as the "quintain" using a
distinctive marker or flag.
- Shuffle
the dominoes and place them face down in a central draw pile.
- Designate
a scorekeeper if playing multiple rounds.
Basic Gameplay
Round Structure
- Draw
Phase: Player draws a domino from the pile.
- Fraction
Formation: Player creates an improper fraction using the domino:
- Top
number (larger pip count) becomes the numerator
- Bottom
number (smaller pip count) becomes the denominator
- If
either side is zero, player must redraw
- Conversion
Phase: Player converts the improper fraction to a mixed number.
- Rounding
Phase: Player rounds the mixed number to the nearest whole number.
- Movement
Phase: Player advances their knight the corresponding number of spaces
on their bead number line toward the quintain.
- Victory
Check: If a player's knight reaches or passes the quintain, they win
the round.
Example Turn
- Player
draws a domino showing 5 and 2.
- Player
creates the improper fraction 5/2 (5 as numerator, 2 as denominator).
- Player
converts 5/2 to the mixed number 2 1/2.
- Player
rounds 2 1/2 to 3 (nearest whole number).
- Player
moves their knight forward 3 spaces on the bead number line.
Advanced Game Variations
Variation 1: Tournament Joust (4th Grade)
Setup Modifications:
- Start
knights 20 spaces from center (positions 40 and 80)
- Use
only dominoes with pip values 1-6
- Provide
fraction conversion reference charts
Special Rules:
- If a
player's calculation is incorrect, they miss their turn
- Players
can challenge each other's calculations
- First
player to reach quintain earns 1 point; first to 5 points wins
Variation 2: Royal Joust (5th Grade)
Setup Modifications:
- Place
knights at 0 and 120 positions (full board)
- Use
full domino set
- Add
"hazard" positions on the bead line (every 10 beads)
Special Rules:
- If a
knight lands on a hazard, player must solve a bonus calculation to avoid
moving back 2 spaces
- If
the domino drawn has matching numbers (doubles), the player can choose to
add, subtract, multiply, or divide to create their fraction
- First
to touch the quintain wins, but must have the exact count to hit it
precisely
Variation 3: Grand Tournament (6th Grade)
Setup Modifications:
- Place
quintain at a random position on the bead line (determined by rolling two
dice and multiplying)
- Knights
start at opposite ends
- Add
multiple "challenge zones" along the track
Special Rules:
- When
drawing a domino, player can choose traditional improper fraction OR
create a complex fraction (fraction ÷ fraction)
- Landing
on challenge zones requires drawing a special card with a percentage or
decimal conversion task
- If
calculations take longer than 30 seconds, player only moves half the
calculated spaces (rounded down)
- Tournament
scoring system: 3 points for win, 1 point for reaching beyond halfway
Cooperative Variation: Team Joust
Setup Modifications:
- Players
form teams of 2-3
- Each
team has one bead number line and knight
- Teams
alternate drawing dominoes
Special Rules:
- Team
members must take turns drawing and calculating
- One
team member creates the improper fraction, another converts to mixed
number, third rounds
- Teams
can use strategic "royal decree" cards to alter domino values
- First
team to reach quintain wins the round
Instructional Implementation
Classroom Introduction
- Demonstration
Round: Teacher models gameplay with a student volunteer
- Skill
Review: Quick lesson on improper fractions, mixed numbers, and
rounding
- Practice
Calculations: Whole-class practice with sample dominoes
- Group
Assignment: Divide class into playing groups or teams
- Tournament
Structure: Establish rotation schedule if needed
Differentiation Options
For Students Needing Support:
- Pre-drawn
dominoes with fractions already labeled
- Mixed
number conversion chart
- Simplified
board (fewer spaces)
- Peer
coaching allowed
For Advanced Students:
- Additional
mathematical operations required (multiply drawn fraction by 2 before
converting)
- Strategic
elements (special cards that affect movement)
- Create
variations of the game with different mathematical concepts
- Serve
as "Royal Judges" to verify other players' calculations
Assessment Opportunities
Formative Assessment
- Teacher
observation of calculation process
- Student
self-checking with calculators
- Peer
verification system
- Quick
exit ticket showing one calculation from the game
Summative Assessment
- Tournament
results tracking
- Strategy
reflection journal
- Create-your-own
variation assignment
- Fraction
conversion quiz using domino images
Mathematical Connections
Key Concepts Addressed
Fractions:
- Improper
fractions vs. mixed numbers
- Equivalent
fractions
- Fraction
magnitude
Number Sense:
- Rounding
rules
- Number
line positioning
- Greater
than/less than comparisons
Computational Fluency:
- Mental
math strategies
- Estimation
- Pattern
recognition
Arizona Standards Alignment
4th Grade:
- 4.NF.A.1:
Explain why fractions are equivalent
- 4.NF.B.3:
Understand addition and subtraction of fractions
- 4.NF.C.7:
Compare two decimals to hundredths
5th Grade:
- 5.NF.A.1:
Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
- 5.NF.B.3:
Interpret fraction as division of numerator by denominator
- 5.NBT.A.4:
Round decimals to any place
6th Grade:
- 6.NS.A.1:
Interpret and compute quotients of fractions
- 6.NS.B.3:
Fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit decimals
- 6.RP.A.3.c:
Find percent of a quantity
Game Extensions
Cross-Curricular Connections
History/Social Studies:
- Research
medieval jousting and tournaments
- Create
historically accurate knight personas
- Study
medieval measurement systems
Language Arts:
- Write
jousting commentary or announcements
- Create
backstories for knight characters
- Design
tournament invitations
Art:
- Design
tournament shields with fraction symbols
- Create
a large-scale game board with medieval imagery
- Craft
3D quintains for game markers
Technology Integration
Digital Support:
- Timer
app for rounds
- Calculator
for verification
- Spreadsheet
for tournament tracking
- Digital
fraction manipulatives for demonstration
Tournament Day Implementation
Setting the Stage
- Classroom
Transformation:
- Decorate
with castle/medieval themes
- Play
medieval background music
- Use
medieval vocabulary (knights, squires, royal mathematician)
- Opening
Ceremony:
- Parade
of knights (students with their figures)
- Reading
of the tournament rules
- Royal
decree (math objectives for the day)
- Tournament
Structure:
- Preliminary
rounds (in small groups)
- Semi-finals
(winners of each group)
- Championship
match (with whole class observing)
- Awards
Ceremony:
- Recognition
for champion jousters
- Special
recognitions for strategy, sportsmanship, most improved
- Royal
mathematician certificates
Printable Resources
Game Materials
- Joust
Tracking Sheet:
- Space
to record drawn dominoes
- Conversion
calculation area
- Movement
tracking
- Reference
Cards:
- Quick
conversion examples
- Rounding
rules
- Game
variation summaries
- Challenge
Cards:
- Special
mathematical tasks
- Strategy
options
- "Royal
decree" game changers
Assessment Tools
- Observation
Checklist:
- Fraction
conversion accuracy
- Rounding
application
- Strategic
thinking
- Mathematical
communication
- Self-Assessment:
- Confidence
rating
- Strategy
reflection
- Skill
improvement goals
Conclusion
Fraction Joust transforms essential fraction skills into an
engaging medieval tournament experience. By combining the tactile experience of
bead number lines with the randomization of dominoes and the excitement of
racing toward a central target, students develop mathematical fluency while
enjoying a rich game experience. The medieval theme adds an element of
storytelling and role-play that increases engagement and makes abstract
mathematical concepts more concrete and memorable.
As students advance their knights toward the quintain, they
simultaneously advance their understanding of fractions, mixed numbers, and
mathematical operations in a collaborative yet competitive learning
environment.
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