6.NS.5: Understand that positive and negative numbers are used together to describe quantities having opposite directions or values (e.g., temperature above/below zero, elevation above/below sea level, credits/debits, positive/negative electric charge); use positive and negative numbers to represent quantities in real-world contexts, explaining the meaning of 0 in each situation.

I can use positive and negative numbers to describe real-world situations. I can tell you what 0 represents in these situations.

What Your Child Needs to Know

Understanding the concept of positive and negative numbers is crucial as it forms the foundation for math subjects that students will encounter later, such as algebra. It is important in 6th grade to grasp how these numbers represent quantities in real-world situations, such as debts and assets, temperatures above and below zero, or elevations relative to sea level. Mastering this will not only improve mathematical intuition but also enhance problem-solving skills in daily life. The concept of zero plays a central role in this topic, serving as a pivot point between positive and negative numbers, and its meaning can vary depending on the context.

Real World Practice

Visual models and hands-on activities

Hands-on Activities

1. Temperature Tracking

Keep a daily log of temperatures for a week using a local weather website. Record temperatures in positive for above zero and negative for below zero. Discuss what zero temperature represents.

2. Elevation Exploration

Use an online tool to find the elevations of different locations around the world, noting which are above and below sea level. Note zero elevation as sea level, and discuss its implications.

3. Budget Balancing

Create a simple budget sheet with income (positive numbers) and expenses (negative numbers). Calculate the balance to understand how credits and debits affect financial status.

4. Charge It!

Learn about positive and negative electric charges. Use examples like static electricity (negative charge) and basic battery terminals (positive and negative). Discuss the role of zero charge.

5. Game Score Keeping

Keep score in a game where points can be added for achievements (positive) or subtracted for penalties (negative). Discuss the scenario when the score returns to zero.

Quick Checks

Strategies and quick activities

Strategies When Your Child Struggles

1. Number Line Visualization

Use a number line to help visualize the placement of positive and negative numbers, and the role of zero as the central point.

2. Real-Life Contextualization

Discuss everyday scenarios that involve positive and negative numbers, such as temperatures or sports scores, to provide context.

3. Interactive Apps

Utilize educational apps that offer interactive exercises with instant feedback on the use of positive and negative numbers.

4. Peer Explanation

Encourage your child to explain their understanding of positive and negative numbers to a friend or family member, reinforcing their own understanding.

5. Practice Worksheets

Provide practice worksheets focused on adding, subtracting, and comparing positive and negative numbers.

5-Minute Activities

Activity 1: Flashcard Flip

Create flashcards with different positive and negative numbers. Quickly show them to your child and ask if the number is positive, negative, or zero.

Activity 2: Zero Role Play

Ask your child to describe scenarios where zero would play a role in different contexts like sports, banking, or weather.

Activity 3: Sign Swap

Give your child a number and ask them to change its sign, explaining how the context of the number might change (e.g., debt to credit).

Activity 4: Quick Quiz

Conduct a rapid-fire quiz session asking your child to identify whether everyday scenarios involve positive, negative, or zero quantities (e.g., withdrawing money, gaining points in a game).

Check Progress

Track improvement

Mid-Year Expectations

By the middle of 6th grade, your child should be able to:

  • Students should be able to identify and represent positive and negative numbers on a number line.
  • Students should understand zero as a neutral or balance point in various contexts.

End-of-Year Expectations

By the end of 6th grade, your child should be able to:

  • Students should confidently use positive and negative numbers to describe and calculate real-world situations.
  • Students should explain the role of zero in different scenarios without prompting.

Mastery Signs

Your child has mastered this standard when they can:

  • Ability to correctly identify positive and negative values in diverse scenarios.
  • Correct use of positive and negative numbers in calculations and real-life contexts.
  • Clear understanding and articulation of what zero represents in different situations.

Questions to Ask:

Ask your child to solve these problems and explain their process:

  • What does a temperature of -5°C represent? How would this differ from 5°C?
  • If sea level is 0 meters, what does an elevation of -200 meters signify?
  • Describe a situation in which your bank account could show both positive and negative numbers. What does a zero balance mean?
  • Explain how scoring +2 and then -2 in a game affects the total score. What does it mean if the score returns to zero?