Numeracy Resources

Robert Kaplinsky describes the lesson this way: "This lesson uses a time lapse thermometer video as a context for discussing integer operations and absolute value. The video should provide some added meaning to the classic temperature drop problem."

This video introduces negative numbers on a number line, demonstrates comparing positive and negative numbers by comparing position on a number line. The video also models negative numbers using a picture representing sea level.

Every number can be thought of as a point on the number line. Because of this, number lines are important for all kinds of mathematics - they are used in algebra, geometry, statistics, and many other kinds of mathematics. In Part 1, students study (1) plotting points on a number line, including fractions, decimals, and signed numbers; (2) measurement and distance on a number line; and (3) absolute value. For teachers wishing to build on number line concepts to connect to the coordinate grid, there is a Part 2 for these materials.