Challenge your students' fractional thinking with our problem-solving activity Fraction Conundrums. This hands-on worksheet encourages students to apply their understanding of fractions to real-world measurement contexts using cups and millilitres. It’s a great way to connect abstract maths concepts to practical applications in a way that’s both engaging and rigorous.

Students are presented with different measuring cylinders and are asked to work out how to combine various amounts of liquid to reach a target quantity. To do so, they must add and subtract fractions accurately, making thoughtful decisions about which tools to use and how to manipulate the given values.

To increase the challenge, a version of the worksheet using millilitres instead of cups is included for more capable learners. In this version, students must first convert the mL into a fraction of a cup before attempting the solution—adding an extra layer of reasoning and conversion skills. This resource is perfect for independent problem solving, pair work, or a collaborative class challenge.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Add and subtract fractions with related and unrelated denominators
• ✅ Apply fractional reasoning to practical measurement problems
• ✅ Convert between units of measurement (e.g. mL to fractions of a cup)
• ✅ Select appropriate strategies and tools to solve multi-step problems
• ✅ Communicate mathematical thinking clearly through working and explanation

What’s Included:

• Fraction-based conundrum worksheet using cups as the unit of measure
• Extension version using mL that requires conversion to fractions
• Clear visual representation of measuring cylinders with fractional markings
• Teacher notes and suggestions for delivery

Materials Needed:

• Printed worksheets (or display version on screen)
• Student maths books or problem-solving journals
• Pencils and rulers
• Optional: laminated measuring visuals or fraction tiles for concrete support

How to Use:

1. Introduce or revise fraction addition and subtraction using visual models.
2. Display the worksheet and model how to interpret the measuring cylinders.
3. Assign students either the standard or extension version depending on readiness.
4. Students solve the problems, showing full working and reasoning in their maths books.
5. Discuss solutions as a class and explore multiple strategies where applicable.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as part of a fractions unit focused on real-world applications
• 💡 Add to a maths rotation as a problem-solving station
• 💡 Pair students to encourage mathematical discussion and justification
• 💡 Display on the IWB and solve collaboratively as a warm-up challenge
• 💡 Incorporate with actual measuring jugs for a hands-on version of the task

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Pre-teach key fraction strategies if using this task as an assessment
• 💛 Encourage students to draw number lines or use models to visualise their thinking
• 💛 Use the mL version to challenge students working above level expectations
• 💛 Discuss which solution strategies were most efficient to build metacognition

Fraction Conundrums offers the perfect mix of mathematical reasoning, measurement skills, and problem-solving practice—ideal for making fractions both fun and functional in your classroom.