10 Integer Games for 7th Graders

Why are integers such a difficult concept for seventh graders to master? I’m not going to lie, when I first learned about integers in 6th grade, it became a core memory because it was the first time I truly struggled in math. It was also the first time I asked my teacher for help after school. For whatever reason, it simply did not click for me until 7th grade math.

As a teacher, I’ve found that the best way to help students understand adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing integers is by having them practice the skill ALL the time! Even after we’ve taken the test. The idea of negative numbers is a completely foreign concept to them so I make sure they see as many integer expressions and math problems involving rational numbers as possible. It’s one of those foundational skills for Algebra and beyond so I like to make sure students have a solid understanding of integers.

In this blog post, I will be listing out some of my favorite integer games to use with my middle school students. These games aren’t just about having fun; they’re about reinforcing key concepts and making math enjoyable for everyone involved. Let’s dive in and explore some creative ways to master integers in the classroom!

Navigating the world of integers can feel like stepping into a maze with no clear path. It’s a concept that often leaves students scratching their heads and teachers searching for innovative ways to make it click. But fear not, because I’ve discovered the secret sauce to integer success: hands-on, engaging activities that bring math to life.

From Integer War to Integer Bingo, these games aren’t just about drilling concepts into students’ heads; they’re about sparking curiosity and igniting a passion for learning. So buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey through the wild and wonderful world of integer games. Get ready to transform your classroom into a hub of mathematical excitement and watch as your students conquer integers like never before.

1. Integer Card Game (Integer War)

Divide students into pairs. Give each pair a deck of playing cards with negative integers represented by black cards and red cards representing a positive value (e.g., black for -1 to -10, red for 1 to 10). We don’t need the face cards or the Joker! You can get creative as you’d like with this integers game.

Here are three of my favorite ways to use the deck of cards:

• Adding and Subtracting Integers – Students draw two cards each turn and add or subtract the integers to find the sum or difference. The player with the highest sum or closest to zero wins the round. Students will need a whiteboard for this one!

 

• Comparing Absolute Value – Students draw one card each turn and determine who has the higher absolute value. The player with the highest absolute value wins the round.

 

• Comparing Integers – Students draw one card each turn and determine whose has the higher value. The player with the highest value wins the round.

 

2. Integer Bingo Game

Bingo is such a great whole class game. This idea is pretty simple, just create a list of about 30 integer problems with mixed operations. Create bingo cards with the answers all scrambled. Project the questions on the board and have students search for the right answer on their Bingo boards. The first student to get five in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally wins. I usually keep playing until we have a couple more winners!

Grab a done for you Integer Bingo game here.

3. Integer Riddles

Prepare riddles where the answer is an integer. For example, “Riddle: Two integers have a difference of 14 and a sum of 4. What are the integers?” Students solve the riddles individually or in groups, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These would also work well for early finishers or your gifted students!

Grab done for you integer riddles here.

4. Integer Relay Race

Set up a relay race where students solve integer problems at each station before passing the baton to the next teammate. But it isn’t an actual baton, the “baton” is the answer. Students must use the answer in the next station. The stations can have different skills. For example, one station might require students to add or subtract integers, while another might involve ordering integers from least to greatest. You may even consider taking this game outside!  Students must be intentional about working together to ensure they get the correct answer. Otherwise, they will not have the right answer at the end. Students will bring their relay paper to you when they are done!

5. Integer Jenga

Students will be working in groups for this one. You will need miniature games of Jenga (Tumbling Towers), task cards, and the answer key in a file folder. Provide students with a worksheet that lists out integer questions and answers. Students will pick a player to go first (maybe the oldest in the group). The first player will spin a spinner to select a number. The numbers will correspond with a task card. The player will declare their answer and the student holding the answer key will tell them if they got the correct answer. If the answer is correct, the player must pull 1 block from the tower. If incorrect, they will need to draw 2 blocks from the tower. The play continues until someone makes the tower fall. When the tower falls the preceding player is the winner!

Grab done for you integer task cards (ALL standards) that work well for Jenga here.

6. Integer Scavenger Hunt

You may be familiar with this one. You will simply place integer questions around the room that form a loop based on their answers. For example, after the first question is answered, students will look for the answer on the bottom of another card, and then answer the question on that card next.

Grab a done-for-you integer Scavenger Hunt here.

Free Math Games

7. Integer Jeopardy

Create a Jeopardy-style game board with categories such as “Addition,” “Subtraction,” “Multiplication,” “Division,” and “Word Problems.” Students work in teams to choose questions from the board and solve them for points.

No time to create? Here is an online game that you can just project and play right away!

9. Online Game – Fruit Splat 

This fun game is really cute! Students will be given a model of an addition problem and they must click on the expression that matches the number line.

10. Online Game – Orbit Integers

This game takes students on an intergalactic adventure. A racing game where students control a car or character and race against the computer or other players. To accelerate or overcome obstacles, students must correctly answer integer-related questions.

Integer Games Conclusion

Now, picture this: your classroom buzzing with excitement as students dive headfirst into integer games. From Integer War to Integer Jenga, I’ve got a playbook that’ll make sure your students master these math facts.

Time is your most precious commodity. That’s why I’ve handpicked these games to pack a punch without eating up your precious prep time. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie in the teaching game, these games are your secret weapon to turn those puzzled faces into confident smiles.

If you’re tired of hearing the groans and grumbles when integers come up, it’s time to shake things up. Say goodbye to the days of dull drills and hello to the era of integer adventures. Because let’s face it – when learning feels like play, there’s no limit to what those kids can achieve.

So, if you’re ready to ditch the headache-inducing worksheets and embrace the power of play, dive into these integer games and watch the magic unfold. Because when it comes to teaching integers, why settle for dull when you can dazzle? Let’s make math the hottest ticket in town – one game at a time. Your students deserve nothing less.

These games are a great way to help your students have a better experience with practicing their integer skills. What I love about these games is that they work for many skill levels.

If you want your students to find success with integers, please check out this resource of Integer Operations activities and Integer Games!