Negative Numbers - PowerPoint

Negative numbers are a fundamental concept in mathematics, particularly relevant for Year 6 students who are delving into number and place value. Understanding negative numbers is essential, as they appear in various contexts such as temperature scales, which are often depicted vertically. When temperatures drop below freezing, negative numbers are used to represent the colder conditions. The teaching material introduces the concept of a number line where positive numbers are usually displayed, and then extends this line to include negative numbers, which are represented with a minus sign in front of each number. This visual representation helps students grasp the idea that numbers can be less than zero.

Building on the understanding of negative numbers, students are then challenged to compare and order these numbers using greater than (>) and less than (<) signs. Worksheets are provided to practice comparing pairs of negative numbers and ordering a series of numbers from smallest to largest. Additionally, students learn to calculate the differences between temperatures on a thermometer, further applying their knowledge of negative numbers. The teaching resources also cover adding and subtracting with negative numbers, providing rules and tips such as "same signs add, different signs subtract" to simplify these operations. Interactive games and videos are suggested to make learning about negative numbers engaging and to reinforce the concepts taught in the classroom.