Mastering Negative Numbers
This lesson introduces Year 7 students to the concept of negative numbers, moving from physical representation on a number line to abstract arithmetic operations and real-world applications.
Learning objectives
- Understand and use the number line to represent negative integers.
- Add and subtract positive and negative integers.
- Multiply and divide with negative numbers using the 'like and unlike' signs rule.
- Solve real-life problems involving negative numbers such as temperature and debt.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 5 min
Do Now: Simple number line jumps involving positive integers and basic subtraction.
Teaching · 15 min
Direct Instruction: Using the number line for addition/subtraction. Rules for multiplying/dividing.
Guided Practice · 10 min
Guided Practice: Solving four example problems on mini-whiteboards together.
Independent Practice · 20 min
Independent Practice: Students work through Support, Core, or Stretch worksheets.
Assessment · 7 min
Assessment: Multiple-choice quiz to check for understanding.
Plenary · 3 min
Plenary: Discussion on the 'Temperature' real-world context and closing thoughts.
Key vocabulary
- Integer
- A whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero.
- Negative Number
- A number less than zero, written with a minus sign.
- Sum
- The result of adding two or more numbers.
- Difference
- The result of subtracting one number from another.
- Product
- The result of multiplying two numbers.
Core worksheet (first questions)
- Calculate -7 - 5.
- Calculate -3 × 5.
- Calculate 8 - (-5).
- Calculate -28 ÷ 2.
Quiz (sample)
1. What is -10 + 5?
- A. -15
- B. -5
- C. 5
- D. 15
2. What is 3 - 8?
- A. -5
- B. 5
- C. -11
- D. 11
3. What is 4 × -5?
- A. -20
- B. 20
- C. -9
- D. 9
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