Leap Into Integers -- Teacher Talk

Math Content

Adding of integers.

TEKS info

Grade 6

(6.1) Number operations and quantitative reasoning.

Resources 

      Mathematics for Elementary Teachers (Chapter 5), edhelper.com, and puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com

Description of Activity 

        This bulletin board will allow children to chose a problem to solve involving addition integers.  Students will remove a frog from its basket and place it above the zero on the number line.  The student will work through the problem by having the frog "leap" right for positive numbers and left for negative numbers until it rests above its home lillypad.  This board is self-checking because the students can find the answer on the backside of each frog. 

Extension Ideas  

        To allow the board to be used for a longer time period, the addition problems can be replaced with subtraction, multiplication and division problems.  The number line could also be extended in each direction to create more difficult problems.  Integers can be introduced starting at an earlier age with much success.

 
Supplies Needed

        Construction Paper

        Blue transparent wrap

        White cloth for background

        Border

        Green poster board,

        Small frog stickers

        Velcro

        Stapler

        Two small straw boxes

        Two wiggly eyes

        Black magic marker

Construction Ideas

        This board is not difficult to make and leaves many opportunities for your own creativity.  Allow yourself enough time to cut out the numbers and create challenging problems