Contextualization

Mathematics is embedded in many aspects of our daily lives, from counting objects to solving more complex problems. This project focuses on the basic operations of addition and subtraction, which are the foundations for many other mathematical competencies.

Theoretical Introduction

The operations of addition and subtraction represent one of the fundamental principles of arithmetic, one of the main divisions of mathematics. In the context of integers, addition can be understood as the operation that combines two or more quantities into a single quantity, while subtraction is the operation that finds the difference between two numbers or quantities.

These operations can be seen as the basic language of mathematics - often used to express other mathematical operations and concepts, such as multiplication and division, negative numbers, fractions, equations, and much more.

Importance of Addition and Subtraction

The ability to add and subtract numbers is crucial for dealing with everyday tasks, such as shopping, calculating distances or times, solving problems, and even understanding more advanced concepts in science and technology.

Furthermore, practicing these operations promotes the development of logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, essential skills for contemporary society, permeated by constant information and challenges.

The concepts of addition and subtraction are so important that they go beyond mathematics, finding applications in other disciplines such as physics, economics, computer science, among others. They are also present in games and playful activities, which makes their study even more interesting and relevant.

Activity - "Operations in Action: The Addition and Subtraction Game"

Project Objective

The central objective of this project is to provide a developed and applied understanding of the operations of addition and subtraction through the creation and execution of an educational game. The game should confront students with complex problems involving these operations, promoting deep learning through action. It is also expected that the game will encourage teamwork and the development of socio-emotional skills.

Detailed Project Description

Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members, each group will be tasked with designing, building, and testing a board game or card game that involves addition and subtraction operations as the main mechanic. The game should be challenging, allowing the application of mathematical concepts and problem-solving.

To enrich the project, the games should incorporate problems involving other mathematical topics (such as linear equations, functions, geometry, etc.) or concepts from other disciplines (such as physics, economics, biology, etc.) where addition and subtraction operations are fundamental.

Required Materials

• Cardboard, paper, and pens for making the board or cards.
• Various resources for producing pieces, counters, chips, etc.
• Clear and objective rules that must be written and made available to all players.
• Computer with internet access for research and report elaboration.

Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Group formation and initial discussion about game ideas.
2. Research and game planning: which concepts will be addressed, how they will be incorporated into the rules, how the game components will be, etc.
3. Game creation and elaboration: making the board, cards, rules, etc.
4. Game testing: each group must play their own game and adjust the rules and components if necessary. Groups should also play the games created by other groups.
5. Report elaboration: each group must work together to elaborate a detailed project report.

Timeframe: The project should be carried out over a period of at least two weeks, with an estimated 12 hours of work per student.

Deliverables

Each group must deliver the created game and a written report. The game should be presented on a designated day for demonstration and gameplay in front of the class.

Report

The written report should cover the following topics:

1. Introduction: describe the game, the objective, the key concepts included, and the relevance of these concepts in real contexts.
2. Development: detailed description of the game creation process, including research, planning, production, and testing stages. The theoretical concepts behind the game rules and the included problems should be explained. The methodology of teamwork should also be reported in this topic.
3. Conclusion: students should reflect on what they learned during the project, both in terms of content and socio-emotional skills. It is important to highlight the difficulties faced and how they were overcome.
4. Bibliography: all resources used for the project (books, websites, videos, etc.) should be listed here.

The report should be delivered on a date set after the game presentation.