Teaching Fractions with the Use of Frax: A Guide
Frax, a new digital learning tool, is set to revolutionize the way third, fourth, and fifth graders learn and master fractions. While the pricing structure for Frax is not explicitly detailed, it offers a free 30-day classroom trial and encourages schools or districts to contact their team for more information about bringing Frax to their classrooms, suggesting a likely school- or district-based licensing model [1].
Designed as an adaptive, game-based learning program, Frax aligns with elementary grade-level fraction standards. It is divided into three sectors, each targeting a specific grade level:
- Sector 1, primarily designed for third graders, features 27 missions focused on developing a strong understanding of fractions as numbers. This zero-entry program is suitable for students with no prior knowledge of fractions.
- Sector 2, aimed at fourth graders, unlocks 30 new missions that expand to fractions equivalency and early fractions arithmetic.
- Sector 3, set to launch in fall 2025, targets fifth graders, allowing students to build mastery of fraction arithmetic through deeper, extended adventures and more complex challenges.
Each sector consists of carefully scaffolded, game-based missions where students learn by doing and progress through meaningful fractions concepts that support classroom fractions units. The approach emphasizes conceptual understanding and lasting mastery to prepare for future math success [1].
In Frax, tasks progressively become harder to help students grow. Students progress through the game by completing missions and earning tokens, which can be used to purchase items in a store. At the end of each mission, there is a short assessment with questions to cement learning and allow teachers to assess student understanding.
Teachers can track student progress from a dashboard to guide them effectively. Working in ability groups can help teachers more easily assess and give guidance to students. Frax's self-explanatory nature requires only a basic understanding of fractions, and minimal teacher support is needed.
Frax's engaging design features space cats, flying robots, and quirky aliens, making it fun and engaging for students. Using game characters to teach fractions in class can help students connect what they know to the new concepts being introduced. Encouraging students to ask one another questions at the end of sections can help them explore the mechanics of the game more deeply together.
For those interested in Frax, a free 30-day trial is available. License options are available for full access. Pricing for Frax is bespoke, with rates varying for teacher, school, or district plans.
In summary, Frax offers graded, mission-based interactive learning for 3rd to 5th graders, structured as follows:
| Grade Level | Frax Sector | Focus Areas | Number of Missions | |-------------|---------------|-------------------------------------|---------------------| | 3rd Grade | Sector 1 | Fractions as numbers | 27 | | 4th Grade | Sector 2 | Fractions equivalency, early arithmetic | 30 | | 5th Grade | Sector 3 (upcoming) | Mastery of fraction arithmetic | Not specified, new content coming Fall 2025 |
[1] Frax Official Website (www.fraxlearning.com)
- Frax, a game-based learning tool for third, fourth, and fifth graders, focuses on enhancing student understanding of fractions as part of education-and-self-development, with a cost structure that suggests a school- or district-based licensing model for online-education.
- As part of the tool, students in sector 1 (for third graders) will experience 27 missions aimed at developing a strong foundation in fractions as numbers, with no prior fraction knowledge required.
- In Frax, students make use of assessments at the end of each mission to gauge learning progress and aid teachers in evaluating student understanding.
- The adaptive design of Frax, featuring engaging characters like space cats and quirky aliens, encourages a fun and interactive learning experience for students within the school setting.
- As Frax becomes available, interested educators can take advantage of its free 30-day trial, with license options for full access to the digital learning program, priced at bespoke rates depending on whether it's for a single teacher, school, or district.
