How to play
A volcanic island stretches from the snowy summit down past sea level into the ocean trench, with a number line running up its side: positive heights above the water, negative depths below. Each round asks one integer question — which of two numbers is greater, where you land after moving up or down the line, which of four numbers is the least, or a temperature or diving problem — and the child answers by tapping one of the numbered tiles. A correct tap sends the climber-diver to that level, splashing through sea level on the way and uncovering the creature that lives there. A wrong tap costs one of three lives, and the expedition is complete after 20 correct answers.
What your child will learn
- Develop number sense and estimation
Skills practiced
- Number sense
- Problem solving
Why this age range
Aimed at grades 5–6 because integer arithmetic appears in grade 6 in most curricula. Younger children can play the positive levels but the negative ones aren't yet on their radar; older children should already be at home with the topic and will use the game as drilling practice.
Curriculum standards
- CCSS.MATH.6.NS.C.5
- CCSS.MATH.6.NS.C.6
- CCSS.MATH.6.NS.C.7
Notes for parents
Negative numbers cause more confusion in middle school than they should, mainly because the introduction is symbolic before it's intuitive. Integer Island fixes the order: feel the negatives as ocean depth first, then meet the symbolic notation. If your child can dive to −5 in the game without thinking, they'll add 7+(−5) without hesitation later.