6.NS.C.7 lessons
Understand ordering and absolute value of rational numbers: interpret and write statements of order in real-world contexts, understand absolute value as distance from 0, and distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order.
The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics code 6.NS.C.7 asks students to: “Understand ordering and absolute value of rational numbers: interpret and write statements of order in real-world contexts, understand absolute value as distance from 0, and distinguish comparisons of absolute value from statements about order.” These Fieldbook lessons teach it hands-on, with everyday materials, a printable teacher guide and a student sheet.
Below Zero: Integers in the Real World Grades 6–7
- 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.
More Common Core standards for Grade 6
All standards we teach · Curriculum alignment by state and province
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