Positive and Negative Numbers:
Introduction, Comparing, and Absolute Value

Objectives:

• Students will have an understanding of both positive and negative numbers.

• Students will be able to compare these integers.

• Students will have an understanding of absolute value.

Suggested Grades:

Fifth Grade - Sixth Grade - Seventh Grade - Eighth Grade
Also contains some modifications/explanations helpful for special education students.

Lesson Procedure:

Print the classroom lesson plan and worksheet questions (see below).

Lesson Excerpt:

Before beginning, have students take out notebooks and pencils.

Begin with, "Up until now in mathematics, we have only been working with positive numbers."

On the board: A positive number represents a quantity greater than zero.

Ask: Who can give me an example?

Write 5 or 6 examples on the board.

Note: If students seem to be having a bit of trouble with the language used i.e. 'quantity'- go back and explain it in simpler terms. For example: A positive number is any of the regular counting numbers that we have been using in math- 1, 2, 3 etc.

Ask: What kind of number do we have if we have a quantity less than 0?

Note: Listen carefully to the student responses in this section because it will indicate any prior student knowledge. Some students might be familiar with negative numbers already, or might use the word "minus" if they are new to the concept. Write examples on the board and then do any corrections, for example changing "minus" to "negative".

Continued...