MA.6.NSO.1.2: Given a mathematical or real-world context, represent quantities that…
Given a mathematical or real-world context, represent quantities that have opposite direction using rational numbers, compare them on a number line and explain the meaning of zero within its context.
The Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards for Mathematics outcome MA.6.NSO.1.2 (Number Sense and Operations) for Grade 6 says: “Given a mathematical or real-world context, represent quantities that have opposite direction using rational numbers, compare them on a number line and explain the meaning of zero within its context.” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards for Mathematics.
Below Zero: Integers in the Real World Grades 6–7
How cold can ice get? Is the bottom of the ocean further from sea level than the top of Everest? How did a town warm up 27 degrees in two minutes? Can a lemonade stand that sold $64 end up in the red? Four lessons on integers with real temperatures, elevations and money.
- How cold can ice get? 50–60 min
Teams measure the temperature of ice water, then stir salt into crushed ice and watch the thermometer fall well past zero. Students read negative temperatures on a vertical number line, order integers, and explain opposites and how far each temperature is from zero.
- Which is further from sea level? 50–60 min
The class builds a 2 m tall number line on the wall, from the bottom of the deepest ocean trench to the top of Mount Everest, and places real places on it at a scale of 1 cm for every 100 m. Students explain elevation above and below sea level with integers, compare with absolute value, and find that the Challenger Deep is further from sea level than Everest is high.
- Are we in the red? 50–60 min
Teams keep the books for a class lemonade stand, tracking every purchase, sale, fee and refund as a positive or negative integer. They find that a stand that took in $64 still ended $3 in the red, then plan how to break even. Students add and subtract integers in a real context, including subtracting a negative, and explain a balance with zero pairs.
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