In this game, the teacher distributes 50 index cards to each pair of students. The students cut the index cards in half so that each student has 50 cards. The teacher instructs the students to quickly write an integer between 0 and 20 on each of their cards, both negative and positive. The students then shuffle their decks and turn over the top two cards. The numbers are added together and the student with the highest number keeps all of the cards. The game continues until the bottom of the deck. The student with the most cards wins.
This game is a variation of the children's game, Connect Four. The teacher distributes a blank grid, approximately 10 squares by 10 squares in addition to black chips and red chips to pairs of students. The teacher displays a problem that requires students to add or subtract integers. If a student correctly solves the problem on their turn, they place their chip on the board with the objective of creating a row of four consecutive chips of their color. Each partner will also try to block the other from creating four in a row.
Students can practice their integer skills through answering word problems. The teacher will create several word problems that require students to add or subtract integers. An example of a word problem that requires integers to solve it is "The temperature in the Sonoran desert was 90 degrees in the afternoon and dropped to 61 degrees in the evening. What is the difference in temperature?" An extension of this activity is for students to create their own word problems for others to solve.
Students can use their higher level thinking skills to create a game that uses integers. The students work in groups to develop a game that requires players to solve integer addition and subtraction problems to move along on the game board. After creating the game board, game pieces, cards and instructions, students can take turns playing the games their classmates created. A variation of this activity is to create a card game instead of a game that requires a board and movable pieces.