Snake and Ladder Game

Content Standards

In this lesson, learners will demonstrate an understanding of integers (positive, negative, and zero) and their use in representing real-world quantities. Students will recognize and represent integers in visual, contextual, and numerical formats.

Performance Standards

Students will be able to:

Identify and represent integers using number lines and visual models.
Understand key terms and components of positive, negative integers, and zero.
Convert between visual, contextual, and numerical representations of integers.
Apply the concept of integers to real-world scenarios like temperatures, game scores, and bank balances.

Alignment Standards

Reference: NCERT Book Alignment

The lesson is aligned with the NCERT Grade 6 Mathematics Textbook, Chapter 10: The Other Side of Zero.

Section 10.3 – Integers in Other Places

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Identify positive and negative integers and zero.
Explain the meaning of integers in various contexts (e.g., temperature, games, money).
Use number lines and solve problems involving addition and subtraction of integers.
Apply integer concepts in real-life scenarios and games like Snakes and Ladders.

Prerequisites (Prior Knowledge)

Basic understanding of whole numbers and number lines.
Familiarity with addition and subtraction of numbers.
Some exposure to real-life contexts involving gains, losses, heights, or temperature changes.

Introduction

In this session, students will explore integers, gaining a conceptual understanding of positive numbers, negative numbers, and zero, along with their practical uses. The session will use visual aids, real-life examples, and games like Snakes and Ladders to build engagement and deepen understanding.

Timeline (40 Minutes)

Title	Approximate Duration	Procedure	Reference Material
Engage	5	Curiosity Activity: Ask: “If the temperature is -3°C, is it warmer or colder than 0°C?” Show images of thermometers, bank balances, and elevators.	Slides
Explore	10	Interactive Activity: Let students match situations to integers (e.g., “I lost 5 points” → -5). Use dice and Snakes and Ladders board to simulate movement.	Slides
Explain	10	Direct Instruction: Explain what integers are. Use a number line to demonstrate positive and negative directions. Show real-life scenarios and solved examples.	Slides and Virtual Lab
Evaluate	10	Use the Virtual Lab for interactive practice: Students roll the dice and determine the number by adding and subtracting. Based on the result, the pawn moves in the game.	Virtual Lab
Virtual Lab	5	Reflection & Application: Ask students to share other real-life examples of integers. Discuss how they can apply this concept in games and daily life.	Slides

Snake and Ladder Game

Introduction

In this lesson, students will learn about integers and how they describe and compare positive and negative quantities in everyday situations. Through interactive examples, real-life scenarios, and games like Snakes and Ladders, students will explore how integers work and why they are essential for math reasoning, real-life decision making, and problem-solving.

Theory

Introduction: Why Integers?

Have you ever wondered what it means when the weather forecast says it’s -5 °C, or your game score drops by 10 points?

We see positive and negative numbers everywhere — from thermometers to elevators and even in our bank accounts.

For example, If you have $20 and spend $30, your balance becomes -10 dollars. What does that mean? You now owe money — that’s a negative amount. We need to learn about integers — to understand values below zero, not just above it.

What are Integers?

Integers are whole numbers that can be positive, negative, or zero. They do not include decimals or fractions.

Key Components:

Positive Integers: Numbers greater than zero (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 50)
Negative Integers: Numbers less than zero (e.g., -1, -2, -3, -50)
Zero: The neutral number between positive and negative integers

Example:
If the temperature on a thermometer is 5°C today and -3°C tomorrow, we’re using integers to describe it.

Steps / Process / Rules

How to Add and Subtract Integers:

Step 1: Look at the signs (positive or negative).
Step 2:

If the signs are the same, add and keep the same sign.
If signs are different, subtract and keep the sign of the larger number.

Step 3: Place the answer on a number line to visualise it.

Example:
-4 + 7 = 3 (Different signs: subtract 7 – 4 = 3, keep the sign of the larger number, which is +)

Visual Representation

Number Line:

Integers are placed on a horizontal number line, with 0 in the Center, positive numbers to the right, and negative numbers to the left.

Example: Snakes and Ladders Game:

In the Snakes and Ladders game, you roll a dice (numbers 1 to 6 — all positive integers) to move forward.
If you land on a snake, you go back (which is like a negative move).
If you land on a ladder, you go forward more steps (a positive move).

This shows real gameplay involving positive and negative movement, just like how we deal with integers in math.

Applications / Why is it Useful?

Here are some real-world situations where we use integers:

Thermometers – To read temperatures above and below zero (e.g., -3°C)
Bank Accounts – To represent debts or overdrawn balances (e.g., -$10)
Games – Scoring systems often use integers for gains (+10) and losses (-5)
Elevators – Floors below ground are labeled as negative numbers (e.g., -2)
Snakes and Ladders / Dice Games – Moving forward and backward uses positive and negative movement

Vocabulary

This is the list of vocabulary terms used throughout the lesson.

Integer: A whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero.
Positive Integer: A number greater than zero (e.g., 1, 2, 3).
Negative Integer: A number less than zero (e.g., -1, -2, -3).
Zero: A neutral number that separates positive and negative integers.
Number Line: A line on which integers are placed at equal intervals, used to compare or calculate with integers.
Opposite Numbers: Two integers that are the same distance from zero but in opposite directions (e.g., +4 and -4).
Absolute Value: The distance of a number from zero, always positive (e.g., |-5| = 5).
Ascending Order: Numbers arranged from smallest to largest (e.g., -3, 0, 2).
Descending Order: Numbers arranged from largest to smallest (e.g., 3, 0, -2).

Snake and Ladder Game

Introduction

Welcome to the Integers Snake and Ladder Virtual Lab!

Roll the dice, add or subtract the numbers, and move your pawn forward or backward. Watch out for ladders and snakes as you aim to reach +50! This game helps you practice positive and negative numbers in a fun, interactive way while learning how integers work in real life.

Key Features

Clear and intuitive interface for easy navigation
Real-time feedback based on dice rolls and game progress
Visual representation of integer movement on the game board
Animated pawn movement reflecting positive and negative values
Built-in reward: Reach +50 to win the game
Embedded challenge elements: Climb ladders or fall down snakes

Step-by-Step Procedure for VR Experience

Step-by-step Procedure for VR Experience

Access the Virtual Lab using the provided link.
A short introduction message will explain the concept of integers (positive, negative, and zero) and how they apply in daily life.
A brief overview of the Snake and Ladder game will be presented, explaining how it has been adapted to reinforce integer operations.

Two virtual dice will appear on the screen.

Click the “Roll” button to roll both dice.
The dice will display two numbers on top.
Add or subtract the numbers shown on the dice (e.g., 5 and -3 → 5 + (-3) = 2).

Based on the final result:

If the number is positive, the pawn will move forward.
If the number is negative, the pawn will move backward.
If the result is zero, the pawn does not move.

Standard Snake and Ladder rules apply:

Landing on a ladder moves you up.
Landing on a snake sends you down.
If your pawn reaches +50, you win the game!

Complete challenges until you reach the target. Use your understanding of adding and subtracting integers to strategize your moves.