Last Updated on September 13, 2023 by Editorial Team
Games attract children easily. Children trying to avoid solving problems of ratio and proportion worksheets and other similar topics can be driven to engage deeper in these with games. Beautiful backdrops, a community learning[1] environment, and role-playing are some of the interesting factors that make games a good option for mastering ratio and proportion, or other middle school math topics. It will not be an understatement if we call games the proven tool for befriending kids with math topics that otherwise drain them out, or create anxiety in them. Teachers can incorporate them along with using manipulatives and conducting activities for helping students understand ratio and proportion concepts.
What are the other advantages of ratio and proportion-focused games? Let’s find out.
How games for learning ratio and proportion offer reliable learning support?
The ‘ratio’ is a word of Latin origin and it stands for reason or ratification. So, while the numbers tell about the value attached, the ratio gives a relationship of logical nature among numbers. The primary outcomes of the games based on the concept of ratio and proportion are:
- Games for ratio and proportion are mainly focused on finding the simplest ratio, and equivalent ratios, and solving equations based on them.
- A ratio can be converted into a fraction and then into a decimal. So, the games are designed to drive students into making all these calculations mentally. The more quick and accurate you are the higher will be your scores in these games.
- Similar to board games, online Games can be used to develop additional skills like color recognition, fine motor skills, math reasoning, etc. as the situations conducive to practicing these are created strategically in the gameplay.
- Since the games are available online for free, you can play these anywhere and without paying anything extra. A paperless way of acquiring ratio and proportion calculation proficiency is provided by these online games.
I am sure all these outcomes must have got you thinking of searching for these games.
Look no further! We have curated here an elaborated list of the best online games that can provide good practicing options for solving equivalent fractions, finding ‘x’ in proportional equations, calculating the simplest ratio, and a lot more. Scores you earn are sure to rub on you positively and will inspire you to calculate quicker and be a mental math expert eventually.
8. Online ratio and proportion-based problem-solving games
1. Dirt Bike Proportions
Dirt Bike Proportions is a game that is the ultimate combination of thrill and learning. You choose your profile as a bike and it is your equivalent ratio calculating capacity that is going to keep you ahead of the competition in this game. It is a self-paced game where you can pick the slow or fast option of playing as per your comfort level.
The best strategy to play this game is to start slow, and then reduce the time so that you can practice faster calculation, quicker thinking, and appropriate reasoning. By choosing the gameplay duration or level of toughness, as a teacher, you can set your students on a progressive learning path.
2. Ratio Blaster
The ratio blaster is set in astronomical space. There is a launcher that gives clues in the form of a ratio’s expression. The Player has to match the ratio shown with the corresponding fraction value by aiming and launching at the correct space vehicle.
Since gameplay continues only till all vehicles remain in space and do not hit the surface below, an element of time-pressed gaming is added automatically to it. Thus, solve as many options as possible in a limited time. Play repeatedly to improve the timing as well as score. This game is pure learning and a lot of fun!
3. Battleship Numberline
If you observe closely, a ratio is nothing but any fraction that has a value between zero and one, except when both the numerator and denominator are the same. Battleship Numberline utilizes this concept quite interestingly. It builds knowledge of how much the value of a fraction actually looks like.
In this game, the learner selects the point on the number line according to the clue given. If the point corresponds to the value, the bomb falling from above destroys the submarine that appears on the point selected. Misses and the percentage by which the target is missed are also communicated to the learner. With practice, you will find yourself picking the precise location corresponding to the ratio clue provided.
4. Ratio Rumble
Ease of color recognition and effortless learning of values of items corresponding to their ratio become fun to learn in this recipe game called Ratio Rumble. The board shows the ratio in which the items are to be selected.
By use of motor skills and enhanced hand-eye coordination, the items lying adjacent and in the ratio as suggested, are picked. In one of its levels, the selected items are dragged and dropped in the pot (as shown in the picture above). Thus, this game helps practice multiple skills apart from ratio. A timed way of playing helps bring swiftness to the calculation process as well.
5. Ratios and Proportions: Open the Box
“Open the Box” is slightly different from the rest of the games on our list. It focuses on building vocabulary pertaining to the concepts of ratio and proportion and has a multiple-choice format wherein players get four choices to select the right option.
Boxes marked 1 to 11 appear on the screen as the game begins. Players can choose to open any box at a time and click on the respective answer. A timer for 30 seconds starts ticking as soon as the player opens a box. Failing to answer within the time frame brings the game to an end. There is also an option to review the answers to reinforce further learning.
6. Ratios Coloring Game
Color the polygons in two colors taking the clue from the ratio as provided in the hint. The ratios coloring game offers deeper engagement in the ratio and proportion learning process. By doing the simple activity of coloring the polygons as instructed, the learner gets to master color recognition, motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and of course, the concept of ratio.
This game is a wholesome learning tool for ratio beginners and shows how the ratio looks when quantified and presented in form of figures. Not to mention, a considerable number sense is also put into the application while playing this game.
7. Describe Pictures as Ratios
Learning ratio need not be a boring activity. You can add colors to this activity (pun intended). The game ‘Describe Pictures as Ratios’ offers you a more convenient way of practicing this math concept. You count the polygons or colored figures and establish the ratio between them. And, accordingly, pick the option. Thus, you put your logical reasoning, counting, and calculating skills to use while playing this game. This game can help you become more fluent if you practice a variety of problems of such nature. It would help better if you repeat the gameplay in case you commit any mistake. You not only select the option but in some cases, are required to put the answer in the box given. The motive is to teach you the correct presentation of the ratio. So, start on it right away!
8. Ratio Stadium
Comparing ratios can be a challenging task for students who are new to this concept. To build up on this skill and be able to do it mentally, here is a fun, competitive game that kids can play anytime and anywhere. The player is assigned a dirt bike, which competes with three other bikes on the race track.
Questions start appearing as the race begins, and the right answers serve as fuel to charge the bikes toward the finish line. The more correct answers a player gives, the higher is the speed of their bike. The bike that reaches the finish line first wins the race. Overall, this is a great game for learning quick calculations for comparing different ratios.
Wrapping up,
Technology in education has got the device’s support and as a result, education is available everywhere. Ratio and proportion can be learned more easily and with better retention by playing these online games available on all devices and operating systems. Homeschooled children and also those wanting to brush up on their classroom’s learnings can play these games to gain better comfort with ratio and proportion concepts. The best part is these take away the math anxiety and replace it with a positive approach, helping students to get reinforced learning. Also, these initiate discussion and constructive communication between parents and kids, or teachers and students, enabling them to work as a team to achieve educational objectives.[2]
References
- Bragg, Leicha. (2003). Children’s perspectives on mathematics and game playing.
- Groff, J., Howells, C. & Cranmer, S. (2010). The impact of games in the classroom: Evidence from schools in Scotland. Bristol, Futurelab.