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Interesting Integers

So, now you are studying integers. It all seems pretty abstract and confusing. What does it have to do with the REAL world anyway? Well, a lot more than you think! Are you ready to find out?

Through this series of activities, you will answer the following questions:

 
  • What is the connection between negative numbers and the real world?
  • What rules exist for adding and subtracting integers?
  • How can I prove to myself that these rules are true?

Activity One - Activity Two - Activity Three - Activity Four

Activity One: Finding out about negative numbers in the real world.

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You have just completed a Pre Assessment on adding and subtracting integers. Your teacher has divided you into four groups so that you can do some research to find out how knowing about negative numbers can be useful to you.
Your job will be to visit these sites to find examples of real life uses of integers, particularly the addition and subtraction of negative numbers. Before you go to the sites, print this graphic organizer, if your teacher has not already given you one. Don't forget to push the back button when you are finished viewing your site.
When you are finished with the reading and have filled out the graphic organizer, wait for directions from your teacher.
Homework: Your homework will be to make a one page flyer about the use of integers in the real world. Be sure to print the Rubric, so you know what you need to include.

Activity Two: How can you show that the rules for adding and subtracting integers are true?

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Today you will be investigating sites and looking at activities that will help you practice and remember rules for adding and subtracting integers. These activities will help you understand why these rules are true. Your teacher has divided you into three groups for these activities.
 
Group One: You will be doing the Large Number Line Activity with your teacher or you will be viewing the Interesting Integers PowerPoint Presentation. If you are viewing "Interesting Integers", use this guide as you work.
(If you don't have PowerPoint, you can view Interesting Integers in html here.)
(or you can get PP Viewer here for PC or here for Mac.)
Group Two: You will download one of the three Subtracting Integers Counter Activities. (Your teacher will tell you which one to download.)
Group Three: You will need to research sites which you believe best explain the process of adding and subtracting integers, particularly negative integers. You need to visit and rate at least four sites. Use one Evaluation Sheet (PDF version) (Word Version) for each site. (Omit the counters & card games sites from this search.)
 
Homework: For homework, you need to write about what you have learned. Write the rules you have learned for adding and subtracting integers in your own words. Give a numeric example for each rule. Then state which rule is the most difficult for you to remember and why it is difficult for you. Use 1-2-2-2-4 PowerWriting to guide your response. Click here to get directions for the PowerWriting part.

Activity Three: Sharing what you have learned

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  Group three members, you will lead your partners through the sites you chose yesterday.
 
 

Activity Four: Putting what you have learned to work.

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Today you are going to use what you have learned about adding and subtracting integers to practice. Go to this site:Positive and Negative Integers: A Card Game and read the directions for the integer card game. Play the basic game with a partner. Then try the Extra Challenging Version. 
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