Comparing Stacks, A Great Model for Addition

Comparing Stacks, A Great Model for Addition is a Grade 6 integer activity that represents positive and negative numbers with different colored stacks. Students model same-sign and different-sign addition, compare stack heights, and use the taller stack to determine the sign while the difference in heights gives the magnitude. The visual structure makes integer addition concrete before students rely on symbolic rules.

Use it as a whole-class model or guided practice when introducing addition with negative numbers. Have students explain what each color, stack, and height difference represents. The catalog currently lists no standards for this activity, so none are added here. Generate lesson support with a free Find a Math Game account. No credit card; 3 lifetime generations.