Both of these virtual tools work well to support teachers using the concept of zero pairs to model addition and subtraction with integers.
Teachers introduce the concept of zero pairs using the activities from the lesson plan: Adding and Subtracting Integers with 2-Color Counters.
The first url links to a website that allows students to enter an addition or subtraction problem using integers. Then it offers a step by step explanation to explain how the model works. Once students get comfortable with the model, the explanations can be turned off and students can practice explaining the pictures.
Here’s an example of how the website uses zero pairs to show why 4 – (-6) = 10:
The second url links to a virtual workspace where students can explore adding and subtracting integers using integer chips.
Here is an example of what it looks like:
