Integer links
This is a level 4 number link activity from the Figure It Out series. It is focused on adding and subtracting integers. A PDF of the student activity is included.
About this resource
Figure It Out is a series of 80 books published between 1999 and 2009 to support teaching and learning in New Zealand classrooms.
This resource provides the teachers' notes and answers for one activity from the Figure It Out series. A printable PDF of the student activity can be downloaded from the materials that come with this resource.
Specific learning outcomes:
- Add and subtract integers
Integer links
Achievement objectives
NA4-2: Understand addition and subtraction of fractions, decimals, and integers.
Required materials
- photocopy of Game board (Integer links game board CM)
- Figure It Out, Link, Theme: Number, Book Four, "Integer links", page 12
- a classmate
See Materials that come with this resource to download:
- Integer links game board CM (.pdf)
- Interger links activity (.pdf)
Activity
A copy of four different game boards is provided at the end of these notes.
This game will help the students to practise adding up integers and at the same time encourage thinking ahead to work out the best moves. Players will quickly learn to avoid closing off the higher negative numbers.
The students can either keep a running total on a calculator or on paper or wait until the game has finished to add up the integer value of their shapes. You could ask them:
- Does it matter in what order the numbers are added together?
- Which way do you move on the number line when adding a negative number?
Then review the rules for adding integers. Another interesting discussion could focus on the strategies used by the students who worked out their totals mentally.
You can extend this game by having the students create a slightly bigger grid version that could be used by three to four players.
Game
A game using integers.
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