Place Value - Negative Numbers (2) - Starter

The Year 6 maths curriculum delves into the realm of negative numbers with a series of exercises aimed at reinforcing students' understanding of place value and arithmetic operations. The activities begin with a calculation challenge, where students must divide 389 by 3, followed by a series of 'Fluent in Four' revision questions. These questions are designed to test students' fluency in basic arithmetic, including addition and subtraction with negative numbers, as well as conversion tasks that require the translation of measurements from one unit to another, such as kilograms to grams and kilometres to metres. Additionally, students are tasked with calculating perimeters, which may involve adding lengths that are not to scale, and thus require careful attention to detail.

Further exercises encourage students to apply their knowledge of place value and operations to solve problems involving temperature changes and volume. For instance, they might be asked to determine the temperature in Austria given that it is 15℃ warmer than in Canada, where it is −25℃. As part of their exploration, students also work on problems that involve tracking temperature changes over time, such as the temperature in London fluctuating throughout the day. To deepen their understanding of volume and capacity, students must describe these concepts and perform calculations that involve containers of different sizes, measured in litres and millilitres, as well as converting between these units. The exercises are designed to foster a comprehensive grasp of numerical relationships and the practical application of mathematical skills.