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Pizza Math Activities (free printable)

Pizza Math Activities (free printable)

These fun pizza math activities are the perfect way for older children to experience the concept of fractions and great way for little learners to practice counting skills. You’re never too old for pretend play! So, turn your table into a pizzeria and have fun preparing the pizza orders and practicing different math skills!

My favorite thing about this activity is that it is easy to prepare. Refer to the cards and cut shapes out of different colored paper to represent the toppings.

Toppings

  • green peppers
  • pepperoni
  • ham
  • pineapple
  • mushrooms
  • olives
  • anchovies

 

Fraction Pizzas

Cut a large circle out of brown paper to symbolize a pizza crust.

Draw and cut a slightly smaller circle in yellow colored paper to represent the cheese.

Glue the two circles together.

Give each child a pizza card. This is the order.

Based on the pizza fractions on the card, they should divide their pizza into equal parts by drawing lines. By drawing the correct number of lines, it will be easy to add favorite toppings to the top of their pizzas using the simple fractions on the card.

For example, if the card shows fractions that are thirds then divide the pizza into 3 slices. If the recipe card shows fourths, divide the pizza into 4 slices.

Then, apply the toppings to the pizza slices.

 

As students try this math activity, they will start to recognize equivalent fractions too. It will give them a concrete experience about what different fractions look like compared to a whole.

 

Download the Fraction Pizza Cards

 

Other Ideas

  • Make a paper plate pizza. Paper plates are easy to use and a nice size for this activity.
  • Make a pizza and challenge a friend to write the fractions of the ingredients you used on a new recipe card.
  • Ask local pizza restaurants to donate a pizza box for each child to make their pizzas in. This special touch makes the activity extra fun.
  • Make square deep dish pizzas instead of circle pizzas. This will provide another great experience with fractions.
  • Instead of making paper pizzas with glue, make felt pizzas that can be taken apart and used again and again.
  • Make a real pizza and use what you’ve learned about fractions!

 

Pizza Counting Game

This number recognition game is a great way to practice counting as they place the correct number of objects on each pizza. Use paper to make the crust and ingredients or use craft foam or felt pieces to make a reusable game.

 

 

How many pepperoni does your card say to add?

Which ingredient did you use the most? 

How many toppings do you have all together?

 

Sort the toppings into bowls after you are finished preparing pizzas to get it ready for next time. You can alsso take your own orders and make your own recipes.

 

Download the Counting Pizza Cards

 

Color a Pizza

 

 

Another option is to color pizza fractions. These pizza are already cut into halves, thirds, fourths, and eights. Add the toppings and write the fractions. Make a book of pizza fractions that kids can revisit and read.

 

Download the Coloring Pizza Pages

 
 

Pizza Math Concepts

There are so many skills you can learn through pizza math activities!

  • Count the pizzas slices- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • Add slices- 1 + 1 = 2
  • Beginning subtraction- Mommy ate one piece of pizza, how many are left?
  • Beginning fractions- show 1/2, 1/4, etc.
  • Equivalent fractions- 1/2 is the same as 2/4 of the pizza or 4/8 of the pizza.
  • Adding fractions- 1/2 + 1/2 = 2/2 or 1 whole pizza or 1/8 + 1/8 = 2/8 (show using manipulative)
  • Roll a fraction- (put fractions on a cube) and race for the most slices of pizza
  • Story problems- Sally ate 2/8 of the pizza and Bill ate 1/4- How much is left? Kids can have fun creating their own problems as well!
  • Play pizza shop- Set up a small store, sell slices, make change.

 

 

Jen

Tuesday 20th of October 2009

My five year old would love this! I made pizza last year with my first grader to teach fractions. We had a blast cooking and learning math at the same time.

JenCreative and Curious Kids

Adriana

Sunday 18th of October 2009

Fantastic idea! D would love this! I am going to look for Vanessa's version with the animals too. Thanks for the suggestions!

Ticia

Friday 16th of October 2009

I really should sit and make this sometime. My kids would love it. Maybe make it out of felt, so the pieces would somewhat stick together.

vanessa

Friday 16th of October 2009

I picked up the farm version of this game at target a few weeks ago--on the clearance aisle--didn't see the pizza one! But, it's exactly the same except instead of toppings on pizza, there are animals in a pen. 1 horse, 2 pigs, etc. We practice counting the animals, but I like the idea of making a pizza with half cheese, half pepperoni...I might be making this OR use what we have to make goat and cow pizza...

Valerie @ Frugal Family Fun Blog

Friday 16th of October 2009

Oh yes, I completely agree pizza is a fabulous way to teach early math skills. We made our own set from felt awhile ago, and it's still a big hit here!! Love it!!