MA.6.NSO.1.2

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Given a mathematical or real-world context, represent quantities that have opposite direction using rational numbers. Compare them on a number line and explain the meaning of zero within its context.

Examples

Jasmine is on a cruise and is going on a scuba diving excursion. Her elevations of 10 feet above sea level and 8 feet below sea level can be compared on a number line, where 0 represents sea level.

Clarifications

Clarification 1: Instruction includes vertical and horizontal number lines, context referring to distances, temperatures and finances and using informal verbal comparisons, such as, lower, warmer or more in debt.

Clarification 2: Within this benchmark, the expectation is to compare positive and negative rational numbers when given in the same form.

General Information
Subject Area: Mathematics (B.E.S.T.)
Grade: 6
Strand: Number Sense and Operations
Standard: Extend knowledge of numbers to negative numbers and develop an understanding of absolute value.
Date Adopted or Revised: 08/20
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
1205010: M/J Grade 6 Mathematics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1205020: M/J Accelerated Mathematics Grade 6 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2020, 2020 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
1204000: M/J Foundational Skills in Mathematics 6-8 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7812015: Access M/J Grade 6 Mathematics (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))

Related Access Points

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
MA.6.NSO.1.AP.2: Represent positive and negative numbers in the same form on a number line given a real-world situation and explain the meaning of zero within its context.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Formative Assessments

What Is the Opposite?:

Students are asked about numbers and their opposites.

Type: Formative Assessment

Explaining Opposites:

Students are asked to graph -4, 0, and 4 on a number line and to explain the relationship between a number and its opposite in terms of the number line.

Type: Formative Assessment

Relative Fractions:

Students are given positive and negative fractions and asked to explain their meanings within the context of a problem.

Type: Formative Assessment

Relative Integers:

Students are asked to use numbers to represent gains/losses and to interpret the meaning of zero in the context of football.

Type: Formative Assessment

Relative Decimals:

Students are asked to explain the meaning of positive and negative decimals within the context of a problem.

Type: Formative Assessment

Rainfall Change:

Students are asked to interpret values given in a chart that represent positive and negative deviations from average rainfall.

Type: Formative Assessment

Lesson Plans

The Layers of the Atmosphere, Guest Starring the Integers! :

Students will learn the functions and characteristics of the four main layers of Earth's atmosphere. They will also determine the thickness of each layer and display them to scale. Students will plot the layers' temperatures, noting the change in temperature from the bottom to the top on a number line.

Type: Lesson Plan

Raja Rangoli:

Rangoli is a traditional Indian art that is used in decorating the entrance of the house to welcome guests. In this activity students will explore and practice the concepts of positive numbers, negative numbers, absolute value, origin, coordinates etc. and will create their own Rangoli design at the end.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.

Type: Lesson Plan

Let's Ride!:

Let's Ride! is a model-eliciting activity that asks students to use pluses and minuses to indicate if eight models of 4-door sedans meet specific standards based on gas mileage, seating capacity, warranty, and type of engine. The students then have to rank the cars and indicate their top four choices.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorial

Rational Numbers in Alaska:

Follow Matteo as he explores opposite numbers, positive and negative rational numbers, and zero in real-world contexts while planning and going on a cruise in Alaska in this interactive tutorial. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast

KROS Pacific Ocean Kayak Journey: GPS and Coordinates:

What's the shortest path between point A and B on the ocean? It depends on wind and currents, but coordinates can help you track your position.

Related Resources:
KROS Pacific Ocean Kayak Journey: GPS Data Set[.XLSX]
KROS Pacific Ocean Kayak Journey: Path Visualization for Google Earth[.KML]

Type: Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast

Tutorials

Negative Symbol as Opposite:

This video discusses the negative sign as meaning "opposite."

Type: Tutorial

Comparing Variables with Negatives:

This video guides you through comparisons of values, including opposites.

Type: Tutorial

Opposite of a Number:

This video uses a number line to describe the opposite of a number.

Type: Tutorial

Video/Audio/Animation

Number Opposites Practice:

This video provides sample questions about the concept of opposite numbers.

Type: Video/Audio/Animation

STEM Lessons - Model Eliciting Activity

Let's Ride!:

Let's Ride! is a model-eliciting activity that asks students to use pluses and minuses to indicate if eight models of 4-door sedans meet specific standards based on gas mileage, seating capacity, warranty, and type of engine. The students then have to rank the cars and indicate their top four choices.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.

Raja Rangoli:

Rangoli is a traditional Indian art that is used in decorating the entrance of the house to welcome guests. In this activity students will explore and practice the concepts of positive numbers, negative numbers, absolute value, origin, coordinates etc. and will create their own Rangoli design at the end.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.

MFAS Formative Assessments

Explaining Opposites:

Students are asked to graph -4, 0, and 4 on a number line and to explain the relationship between a number and its opposite in terms of the number line.

Rainfall Change:

Students are asked to interpret values given in a chart that represent positive and negative deviations from average rainfall.

Relative Decimals:

Students are asked to explain the meaning of positive and negative decimals within the context of a problem.

Relative Fractions:

Students are given positive and negative fractions and asked to explain their meanings within the context of a problem.

Relative Integers:

Students are asked to use numbers to represent gains/losses and to interpret the meaning of zero in the context of football.

What Is the Opposite?:

Students are asked about numbers and their opposites.

Original Student Tutorials Mathematics - Grades 6-8

Rational Numbers in Alaska:

Follow Matteo as he explores opposite numbers, positive and negative rational numbers, and zero in real-world contexts while planning and going on a cruise in Alaska in this interactive tutorial. 

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorial

Rational Numbers in Alaska:

Follow Matteo as he explores opposite numbers, positive and negative rational numbers, and zero in real-world contexts while planning and going on a cruise in Alaska in this interactive tutorial. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Tutorials

Negative Symbol as Opposite:

This video discusses the negative sign as meaning "opposite."

Type: Tutorial

Comparing Variables with Negatives:

This video guides you through comparisons of values, including opposites.

Type: Tutorial

Opposite of a Number:

This video uses a number line to describe the opposite of a number.

Type: Tutorial

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.