Sierra STEM Academy Teachers practice playing Fraction Contraption

In an era when advanced mathematics students are not fluent in fractions or calculating percentages, and employers report that new hires lack measurement skills, Colfax High School Math, Design Tech and 49er ROP Design and Construction instructor and successful inventor, Jonathan Schwartz sought a way to engage students of all ages in fun, hands-on math practice. He invented Fraction Contraption (Fraction Contraption is patent pending and is a registered trademark) as a fun way for students to practice math.

As part of the Sierra STEM Academy, he introduced  teachers to “Fraction Contraption” curriculum, shared hands-on learning teaching techniques and lead teachers in constructing their own game board in the wood shop.

Go to Jonathan Schwartz’s Fraction Contraption web site

Read the STEM Academy Fraction Contraption Sept 2010 Press Release

How to play Fraction Contraption Descriptive Flyer fraction contraption 9-7-10

STEM Academy Flyer  STEM Academy Fraction Contraption Flyer 10 08 30

What teachers said:

“This is a wonderful hands-on way to teach fractions!”

“Fraction Contraption is a great tool for teaching students to measure.”

“It was valuable to learn the statistics about how much fractions and number sense is used in tests.”

“I liked the idea of combining a math and wood/design project into one.”

“We saw the fun and learning that can take place in a simple game.”

Teachers play Fraction Contraption at Sierra STEM Academy

Teachers make their own Fraction Contraptions at Sierra STEM Academy

Jonathan Schwartz explains how to make Fraction Contraption at Sierra STEM Academy

Teachers learn to use chop saw at Sierra STEM Academy to make Fraction Contraption

Teachers use table saw to cut tiles to make Fraction Contraption at Sierra STEM Academy

Teachers make finishing touches on Fraction Contraption at Sierra STEM Academy