Integers, Week 5

Hi Everyone!

This week was dedicated to exploring and discussing integers. As with many topics discussed so far in this course, this topic is interesting because it has real-world application. As such, this topic is one that I find easy to understand and communicate to others.

Integer Contexts are hugely important to discuss with students to help them understand the larger idea. Some useful contexts Small (2013) addresses are temperatures, floors above or below a main level, being below or above sea or ground level, golf scores below or above par, and being in debt or not. For myself, I have always been able to understand integers through the context of temperature, however all of the above examples are all useful.

Katic, K. (2015). Orbit Integers Screenshot.

Within the Math Curriculum, integers become a focus in grades 7 and 8 within the Number Sense and Numeration strands. In grade 7, students are expected to represent, compare and order numbers including integers, demonstrate an understanding of adding and subtracting fractions and integers, and demonstrate an understanding of proportional relationships (Ontario Curriculum, p.99). In grade 8, students are expected to represent, compare, and order equivalent representations of numbers including positive exponents, solve problems involving whole numbers, decimals, fractions and integers, and solve problems by using proportional reasoning in a variety of contexts (Ontario Curriculum, p. 111). Understandably, each increasing grade gains a more complex understanding of mathematical processes, and integers are no exception, however, there will be students who genuinely need extra help in mathematics. This is why I believe that a variety of tools need to be used in order to enhance student learning, such as math games.

Katic, K. (2015). Spider Match Screenshot.

I have recently discovered two really fun games that students can access in order to further increase their knowledge of integers. These two games are specifically related to the grade 7 curriculum expectations, however students in grade 8 can also benefit from these games, and students in grade 6 who are demonstrating a thorough mathematical understanding. The first game above, the Orbit Integers Game, is a high paced, energetic game that brings out the competitive side in its players. Students compete against each other, or the computer, to answer the most mathematical questions correctly to try to finish first. This is a good beginner game for students as it only involves the addition operation.

The second game is the Spider Match Integer Game. Like the Orbit Integers game, it involves the competitive side of students, where they can play against each other or the computer. They must try to answer as many pairs as possible to equate to the number in the middle. The spiders eat the flies, where the flies represent either a positive or negative number. This game is one I would consider to be for students who have a more thorough understanding of integers, as opposed to the Orbit Integers game.

My next steps as an emerging educator will be to try to increase my teaching tool box, where I can access a variety of resources for my students to gain a more holistic understanding of the subjects I am teaching them.

References 
Ontario. (2005). The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1-8. (6th Ed). Toronto: Ontario, Ministry of Education. 
Small, M. (2013). Chapter 14: Integers. In Making Math Meaningful to Canadian Students, K-8. (2nd Ed.) Nelson Education. Toronto: Canada.