Exploring Positive and Negative Numbers!

Math Grades 1st Grade 8:13 Video
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Lesson Description

Let's learn about numbers bigger and smaller than zero using a number line! We'll discover positive and negative numbers and see where we find them in the real world.

Video Resource

Positive and Negative Numbers for Kids | Homeschool Pop

Homeschool Pop

Duration: 8:13
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Number Line
  • Positive Numbers (numbers greater than zero)
  • Negative Numbers (numbers less than zero)
  • Zero (neither positive nor negative)

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify positive and negative numbers.
  • Students will be able to locate positive and negative numbers on a number line.
  • Students will be able to understand that zero is neither positive nor negative.
  • Students will be able to provide real-world examples of positive and negative numbers.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they've ever heard of numbers below zero. Introduce the idea that numbers can be positive or negative. Explain what the lesson will cover.
  • Watch the Video (8 mins)
    Play the 'Positive and Negative Numbers for Kids | Homeschool Pop' video. Encourage students to pay attention to the number line and the examples of positive and negative numbers.
  • Discuss the Number Line (7 mins)
    After the video, draw a number line on the board. Ask students to identify zero, positive numbers, and negative numbers. Have them point out which numbers are bigger and smaller.
  • Real-World Examples (10 mins)
    Brainstorm real-world examples of positive and negative numbers with the students. Use the examples from the video (temperature, elevation, debt) and encourage them to think of others (e.g., going up or down in a game, owing or having toys). Actively guide students in understanding how positive and negative numbers are applied in real-world examples.
  • Activity: Number Line Hop (10 mins)
    Create a number line on the floor with tape. Call out a number (e.g., 'Hop to positive 3!' or 'Hop to negative 1!'). Students take turns hopping to the correct number. To make it more challenging, give addition problems, i.e. Start at 2, hop back 4.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Worksheet
    Provide students with a worksheet containing number lines. Ask them to circle positive numbers in one color and negative numbers in another color. They should also mark zero.
  • Positive/Negative Sort
    Write a list of numbers (including positive, negative, and zero) on the board. Have students come up and write each number under the correct heading (Positive, Negative, or Zero).

Discussion Questions

  • What is a number line?
  • How are positive and negative numbers different?
  • Can you think of a time you've heard about a negative number?
  • Is zero a positive or negative number?

Skills Developed

  • Number recognition
  • Understanding of number relationships
  • Application of math concepts to real-world situations

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of these is a negative number?

Correct Answer: -2

Question 2:

Which of these is a positive number?

Correct Answer: 4

Question 3:

Is zero a positive or negative number?

Correct Answer: Neither

Question 4:

Which number is bigger: 2 or -3?

Correct Answer: 2

Question 5:

Which number is smaller: -1 or -4?

Correct Answer: -4

Question 6:

What is the line with numbers on it called?

Correct Answer: Number Line

Question 7:

Which of these shows a negative sign?

Correct Answer: -

Question 8:

Which of the following is below zero?

Correct Answer: Negative Numbers

Question 9:

Which of these is most like the elevation of a place below the sea?

Correct Answer: Negative Numbers

Question 10:

Which of these is most like owing someone money?

Correct Answer: Negative Numbers

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

Numbers that are less than zero are called ________ numbers.

Correct Answer: negative

Question 2:

Numbers that are greater than zero are called ________ numbers.

Correct Answer: positive

Question 3:

The number ______ is neither positive nor negative.

Correct Answer: zero

Question 4:

A ________ ________ is like a map of numbers.

Correct Answer: number line

Question 5:

The temperature can be ________ in places like Antarctica.

Correct Answer: negative

Question 6:

Negative numbers have a ________ sign in front of them.

Correct Answer: negative

Question 7:

Positive numbers are (more or less) common than negative numbers?

Correct Answer: more

Question 8:

If a place is lower than sea level, its elevation is a ________ number.

Correct Answer: negative

Question 9:

Numbers always go from least to ________ on a number line.

Correct Answer: greatest

Question 10:

When you owe money, that is like using ________ numbers.

Correct Answer: negative

Educational Standards

1.NBT.A.1:Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120. In this range, read and write numerals and represent a number of objects with a written numeral. 1.MD.C.4:Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; ask and answer questions about the total number of data points, how many in each category, and how many more or less are in one category than in another. 1.OA.C.5:Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2).

Teaching Materials

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