Venture into space with this 5th-grade fraction operations enrichment project. Students will practice adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators, multiplying and dividing fractions, and using critical thinking skills. They will solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division word problems involving fractions and space topics. This resource is great for 5th-grade teachers who want to engage early finishers, challenge gifted students independently, or complete a whole-class project at the end of a math unit about fractions with unlike denominators.
 
What’s Included in This Math Enrichment Project?
✏️ PDF & Google Slides Link
Part 1: Add Fractions & Mixed Numbers
Part 2: Subtract Fractions & Mixed Numbers
Part 3: Multiply Fractions & Mixed Numbers
Part 4: Divide with Unit Fractions
Part 5: Operations with Fractions
Answer Keys + Examples
 
Each section includes:
✅ Practice Pages – Reinforce fraction operation strategies through scaffolded instruction. Students can review the example strategy at the top of the page and solve increasingly difficult problems.
✅ Apply Pages – Solve addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division word problems involving fractions about real-world space mission scenarios. Students will practice adding and subtracting mixed numbers with unlike denominators. They will divide whole numbers by unit fractions and unit fractions by whole numbers.
✅ Create Pages – Students launch their own space mission with different elements to create and customize – like designing their own rocket! Then, they solve math problems using their unique set of numbers.
 
Extras
Reading Passages - Consider sharing before beginning the math project to provide context for students who are less familiar with spaceships and rockets.
Creative Project: Design a Space Mission App
 
This Independent Math Project is Perfect for:
✔️ Whole-class instruction (assign at the end of your fraction unit).
✔️ Small groups or intervention (reinforce adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and mixed numbers).
✔️ Gifted students or early finishers (let them complete the full project at their own pace!).
 
✨Hear about this 5th Grade Project-Based Learning Resource from Educators Like You:✨
⭐️ “My students were so engaged in this project! They loved the real-world connections and having the freedom to launch their space mission while practicing fraction operations.”
⭐️ “This resource is designed with students in mind. The examples help them practice skills before applying them to their own space mission design. It’s a fabulous format!"
⭐️ “The digital slides are beautifully designed and easy to use. I didn't have to print a single page. Students completed this project over the course of a month whenever they finished math work early."
⭐️ “I used this as an end-of-unit enrichment activity, and it was a hit! The scaffolded practice helped build confidence, and the ‘Create’ pages allowed for student choice.”
⭐️ “This was the perfect challenge for my gifted students! They worked through each part independently and had so much fun applying math in a meaningful way.”
 
This engaging math project blends real-world problem-solving, student choice, and creativity—making fraction word problems more meaningful than ever!
 
Find answers to your questions about this Launch a Space Mission Project:
✋ What materials will students need?
Students will use a pencil and coloring materials. Alternatively, they can complete the project on Google Slides.
✋ How long will it take to complete this project?
This project will likely last multiple days. There are 5 separate math sections as well as 2 extension activities (reading and design an app).
✋ Which grade will benefit the most from using this resource?
5th Grade - This project focuses on the following standards: CCSS.5.NF.A.1, 2, B.3, 4, 6, 7