February 26-29

 I can represent, order, add, and subtract integers (Grade 6 Math)

This week in grade 6, we learned that integers are positive and negative whole numbers. We worked with integers on number lines and learned that the intervals (or scale) on a number line must be consistent. We also learned that you can make a number line start and end anywhere you want, as long as it has a consistent interval.

We also experimented with coloured counters, making one colour represent positive numbers and the other colour represent negative numbers. 

We thought of real-life examples of integers. Some ideas that the students came up with are par, birdie, eagle, bogey, and double bogey in golf; temperatures on a thermometer; and borrowing and saving money from mom and dad! 

We practiced ordering integers on a number line and determining the difference between two integers using problems like this:

Rossa prepared to jump off of a diving board. She was 15 feet from the pool's water level.

If she jumped up 2 feet, dove to the pool water level, and then dove 8 feet into the water,

how many feet did she travel total?

Then we were ready to add and subtract positive and negative numbers. We learning using counters and number lines: 

For example, −3 + (−4) can be represented by putting together 3 negative counters and 4 negative counters. 

There are 7 negative counters in total, so the sum is −7.

To model 3 + (−4), you can put together 3 positive counters and 4 negative counters.

Since each pair of positive and negative counters cancels each other out, you are left with -1. 

So, 3 + (−4) = −1.

Using the counters helped some students understand what it means to add and subtract integers.Others preferred to use a number line. For example, to calculate −2 + 5 you can start at −2, count 5 forward and see where you land. 

So, −2 + 5 = 3.

Phew! That was a lot of learning! Students worked hard calculating and solving problems in 

groups and independently.