Investigating Integers

Investigating Integers

A Web Quest for 7th grade students

Organized by

Introduction

Greetings 7th Grade Students!

What is an opposite? How do you find the absolute value of a number? Are there any shortcuts for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers? What exactly is an integer, and what does it have to do with the REAL world anyway?

This web quest introduces you to the wonderful and exciting world of integers or provides you with a helpful review. Throughout the web quest, you will apply your prior knowledge of integers to investigate these questions and follow instructions to complete various integer problems. By the end of this lesson, you should have recorded relevant rules and definitions of integers, practiced operating integers, and gathered all this information to discuss integers with your classmates and review for a unit test.

Task

1. Individually, you will follow instructions to identify and define terms used with integers. Record the information on this Definitions sheet.

2. Research adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers. Familiarize yourselves with each operation using the web sites provided in this web quest. Complete the chart on this Rules sheet.

3. Demonstrate that you are an “expert” on integer operations by successfully completing this lesson’s requirements and present your findings to the class. Show your understanding by taking a quiz and recording the results on this Quiz sheet.

*Just a reminder: Push the back button when you are finished viewing each website!

Process

1. Begin by using Math.com to find and record the definition of an integer on your Definitions sheet. Sketch and label a number line similar to the one on this page.

2. This site will list some common terms used with integers. Carefully review the first three examples then CORRECTLY answer the five questions at the bottom of the page. Record these exercises on your Definitions sheet.

3. Locate the words “opposite” and "absolute value" in at least two of the following glossaries and read through the material thoroughly. Define these two terms and create your own examples to record on your Definitions sheet.

4. Read and explore the two following websites to find the definitions, rules, and shortcuts for operating integers. After looking over both sites, include this information in your own words along with examples of each operation on your Rules sheet.

5. To practice using your knowledge of integers, complete the practice exercises on Mathgoodies. You DO NOT need to record your answers for this page! Once you have correctly answered all ten questions, continue to step #6.

6. Hopefully you have sharpened your skills of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers. Extend this knowledge by completing the Quia integer quiz. Copy each problem and solution on your Quiz sheet then check of your correct answers. You will find and error in this quiz...what is it?

7. Finally, e-mail your teacher three ways you used integers this month while you were not in school.

Evaluation

When you have completed steps 1-7 of the process, review the Checklist to make sure that you followed directions correctly and recorded the information clearly. You may be asked to present some of this information to your classmates aloud before you use it to study for the unit test.

Resources

Take advantage of extra class time to explore the following AAA Math sites and challenge yourself.

Conclusion

YOU DID IT!

You have successfully completed an investigation of integers and strengthened your ability to solve problems involving integers.

Last modified October 2006