Fraction Relay Slides Math Track & Field
FRACTION RELAY SPRINT
Dividing Fractions by Whole Numbers
Warm-up: Reciprocal Lightning
The Rules:
1 Teacher calls out a whole number .
2 Students shout back the reciprocal as fast as possible!
If I say...
5
You say...
1/5
Analyze the Pro
Embedded media
"How to Divide a Fraction by a Whole Number"
Focus Goal:
Watch for the three steps the narrator uses to transform the division problem into a multiplication problem.
Critical Pause
We will pause at 1:12 to try two problems on our own!
The Strategy: KCF
Keep • Change • Flip
K
KEEP
Keep the 1st fraction exactly as it is.
2/3
C
CHANGE
Change division to multiplication.
×
F
FLIP
Flip the 2nd fraction (the reciprocal).
1/5
Relay Race Rules
1
Teams of 4 members . Each member has a specific role for the problem.
2
You must pass the sheet to the next person after finishing your step.
3
Rotate roles after every single problem so everyone does every job!
Winning Goal:
"Fast & Accurate"
The team that completes all 6 sprint rounds with the highest accuracy wins the Fraction Gold Medal!
Relay Roles
1
The Converter
Rewrites the whole number as a fraction (e.g., 5 → 5/1).
2
The Switcher
Changes the division symbol to multiplication.
3
The Flipper
Flips the second fraction to its reciprocal (the "Flip" of KCF).
4
The Closer
Multiplies across and simplifies if possible. Checks the final answer!
Post-Race Debrief
Which role was the hardest to remember or perform quickly?
Why do we flip the SECOND fraction and not the FIRST?
Fraction Relay Sprint Sheet FRACTION RELAY SPRINT
Official Competition Heat Sheet
Team Name:
Period:
Step 1
The Converter
Step 2
The Switcher
Step 3
The Flipper
Step 4
The Closer
Round 1: Initial Sprint
\( \frac{2}{3} \div 5 \)
1. Whole → Fraction
2. \( \div \rightarrow \times \)
3. Reciprocal (Flip)
4. Multiply & Simplify
Round 2: Acceleration
\( \frac{4}{5} \div 3 \)
1. Whole → Fraction
2. \( \div \rightarrow \times \)
3. Reciprocal (Flip)
4. Multiply & Simplify
Round 3: The Hurdle
\( \frac{8}{9} \div 4 \)
1. Whole → Fraction
2. \( \div \rightarrow \times \)
3. Reciprocal (Flip)
4. Multiply & Simplify
Round 4: Power Slide
\( \frac{12}{7} \div 3 \)
1. Whole → Fraction
2. \( \div \rightarrow \times \)
3. Reciprocal (Flip)
4. Multiply & Simplify
Round 5: High Speed
\( \frac{5}{6} \div 10 \)
1. Whole → Fraction
2. \( \div \rightarrow \times \)
3. Reciprocal (Flip)
4. Multiply & Simplify
Round 6: Final Dash
\( \frac{3}{4} \div 6 \)
1. Whole → Fraction
2. \( \div \rightarrow \times \)
3. Reciprocal (Flip)
4. Multiply & Simplify
Teamwork makes the dream work!
Fraction Relay Instructions TOP SECRET
PIT CREW MANUAL
Official Fraction Relay Sprint Procedures
The Mission
Your 4-person pit crew must complete 6 high-speed fraction division rounds. Success depends on precision and coordination . One error in the pit lane will lead to a "DNF" (Did Not Finish) for that round!
Crew Roles & Responsibilities
1
The Converter
Locates the whole number in the problem and rewrites it as a fraction by putting it over 1 (e.g., \( 5 \rightarrow \frac{5}{1} \)).
2
The Switcher
"Keeps" the first fraction and "Changes" the division sign into a multiplication sign (\( \times \)).
3
The Flipper
Finds the reciprocal of the second fraction (flips it!) and writes it down next to the multiplication sign.
4
The Closer
Multiplies the numerators and denominators. Simplifies the final answer to its lowest terms .
Rules of the Track
The Rotation: After every round, everyone shifts one role to the right (Role 1 becomes Role 2, etc.). No one does the same job twice in a row!The Pass: You cannot touch the pencil until the person before you has finished their step and handed it to you.Silence in the Lane: You may point to mistakes, but you cannot talk during the active sprint. Use hand signals!
Pro-Tip: The Cross-Cancel Shortcut
The Closer can look for common factors between numerators and denominators before multiplying. If you "cross-cancel," you'll finish your multiplication much faster and have less simplifying to do at the end!
Fraction Relay Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
FRACTION RELAY SPRINT
6th Grade Math: Dividing Fractions by Whole Numbers
45 Minutes
Teams of 4
Learning Objective
Students will demonstrate fluency in dividing unit and non-unit fractions by whole numbers using the "Keep, Change, Flip" strategy and collaborative problem-solving.
Materials Needed
Fraction Relay Slides
Sprint Sheet (1 per team)
Pit Crew Manual (1 per student/team)
Timers (or use classroom clock)
The Race Plan
00-05 min
Reciprocal Lightning Round
Goal: Rapid-fire fluency with reciprocals of whole numbers.
"Class, I say '3', you say... (1/3!) I say '10', you say... (1/10!)."
05-10 min
Video: Analyze the Pro
Watch the YouTube video until the 1:12 mark. Pause at 1:12.
Discussion Prompts:
Why did the narrator put the 5 over 1?
In your own words, what does "Keep, Change, Flip" mean?
10-35 min
Fraction Relay Sprint
Teams of 4 work through the Sprint Sheet. Each student takes one role per problem and rotates.
The Pivot: Check for "The Closer" using cross-canceling (introduced in video at 1:36).
Monitoring: Walk around to ensure students are actually rotating roles and passing the sheet.
35-45 min
The Cool Down (Debrief)
Facilitate a group discussion on the process.
"Which role was the most stressful? Why?"
"How did cross-canceling help the Closer finish faster?"
"Why is it a mistake to flip the FIRST fraction?"
Adjusting the Track (Differentiation)
Scaffolding
For struggling groups, allow a "Pit Stop" where they can talk to each other to help the person currently holding the pencil. Provide a pre-filled "KCF" template for the first two rounds.
Extension
Challenge advanced teams to only multiply using the "Cross-Canceling" method for Rounds 4-6. Have them record their total team time to compete for a "Track Record."
