Pearl Diver

Teaching With Pearl Diver

Addresses: Properties of numbers, how to plot numbers, how to visualize quantity on the number line, how to order numbers, and how to use the number line as a visual model for mathematical operations.

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Printable Resources
(In English)

Printable Resources
(In English)

  • Teacher Guide
  • Gameplay Video
  • Common Core
  • Guidelines

Visit our website ( and go to the animation, game, or iOS app in order to download its printable resources.

Pearl Diver Common Core Standards

Standard Standard Description
2.MS.2 Measure the length of an object twice, using length units of different lengths for the two measurements; describe how the two measurements relate to the size of unit chosen.
3.NF Develop understanding of fractions as numbers.
4.MD Solve problems involving measurement and conversion of measurements from a larger unit to a smaller unit.
4.NF Understand decimal notation for fractions, and compare decimal fractions.
4.NF.7 Compare two decimals to hundredths by reasoning about their size.
5.NBT Perform operations with multi-digit whole numbers and with decimals to hundredths.
5.NBT.7 Add, subtract, multiply and divide decimals to hundredths, using concrete models or drawings or strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used.
6.NS.5 Understand that positive and negative numbers are used together to describe quantities having opposite directions or values...; use positive and negative numbers to represent quantities in real-world contexts, explaining the meaning of 0 in each situation.
6.NS.6 Understand a rational number as a point on the number line. Extend the number line diagrams and coordinate axes familiar from previous grades to represent points on the line and in the plane with negative number coordinates.
6.NS.6a Recognize opposite signs of numbers as indicating locations on opposite sides of 0 on the number line; recognize that the opposite of a number is the number itself, e.g. -(-3) = 3, and 0 is its own opposite.
6.NS.7 Understand ordering and absolute value of rational numbers.
6.NS.7a Interpret statements of inequality as statements about the relative position of two numbers on a number line diagram.
6.NS.7b Write, interpret, and explain statements of order for rational numbers in real-world contexts.

Math Snacks Game Guidelines

  1. We know you may not have time to play the game all the way through. Play through at least the first level, and watch the Gameplay video for each one, to get an understanding of what changes from level to level.
  2. Watch the Teaching video for each game. Each is shorter than 10 minutes, and gives really important strategies for teaching with the game, and engaging students in follow up activities to help them apply what they’ve learned.
  3. Secure lab time and secure the proper number of computers or iPads for students. All games and animations are available online. Ratio Rumble, and Pearl Diver are also on the iPad. Most games will take 2-3 hours for students to play.
  4. Games can be played in different ways: students can play individually, in pairs, in small groups or in one large group using a Smartboard, depending on the technology available in your classroom or computer lab.
  5. Don’t be afraid to let the game teach. Math Snacks games aren’t designed to measure what your students already know, but to give students the chance go understand concepts. They won’t succeed at every level their first time playing, and they aren’t supposed to. Let your students make mistakes, talk with each other, create strategies and learn from those mistakes.
  6. Refer to the Teaching With guide for each game for more recommendations.