Number Line Adventures: Adding and Subtracting Like a Superhero!

Math Grades 1st Grade 2:24 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn how to use number lines to add and subtract! Just like a superhero uses their powers, we'll use number lines to solve math problems. We'll make big jumps for hundreds, smaller jumps for tens, and tiny steps for ones!

Video Resource

Adding and subtracting on number line 2 | 2nd grade | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 2:24
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Number lines as a tool for addition and subtraction
  • Place value (hundreds, tens, ones)
  • Breaking numbers down into hundreds, tens, and ones to add or subtract

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to use a number line to add two- and three-digit numbers.
  • Students will be able to use a number line to subtract two- and three-digit numbers.
  • Students will be able to break down numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones to make adding and subtracting on a number line easier.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Start by asking students if they've ever used a number line before. Briefly explain what a number line is and how it can help us with adding and subtracting. Tell them we are going on a Number Line Adventure!
  • Video Viewing (10 mins)
    Watch the Khan Academy video "Adding and subtracting on number line 2 | 2nd grade | Khan Academy." Encourage students to pay attention to how Sal breaks down the numbers and makes jumps on the number line.
  • Guided Practice (15 mins)
    Work through a few example problems on the board, similar to the ones in the video. Have students follow along on their own number lines (printed or drawn). Emphasize breaking down the numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones. For example, for 325 + 142, break it down into 300 + 100, 20 + 40, and 5 + 2.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Give students a worksheet with addition and subtraction problems that they can solve using number lines. Provide support as needed.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts and ask students how using a number line helped them solve the problems. Ask them if they have any questions.

Interactive Exercises

  • Number Line Hop
    Create a large number line on the floor with tape. Call out addition or subtraction problems and have students physically hop along the number line to find the answer.
  • Draw Your Own Number Line
    Give each student a piece of paper and have them create their own number line. Then, call out problems and have them draw the jumps on their number line to show their work.

Discussion Questions

  • How does the number line help you see addition and subtraction?
  • Why is it helpful to break down numbers into hundreds, tens, and ones when using a number line?
  • Can you think of a time when using a number line might be easier than just adding or subtracting in your head?

Skills Developed

  • Addition and Subtraction
  • Number Sense
  • Problem-Solving
  • Place Value Understanding
  • Visual Representation

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What number do we start at on the number line to solve 25 + 10?

Correct Answer: 25

Question 2:

If you are adding on a number line, which way do you move?

Correct Answer: Right

Question 3:

If you are subtracting on a number line, which way do you move?

Correct Answer: Left

Question 4:

What is 10 + 5 using a number line?

Correct Answer: 15

Question 5:

What is 15 - 5 using a number line?

Correct Answer: 10

Question 6:

What does a big jump on the number line often show?

Correct Answer: Adding hundreds

Question 7:

What does a small jump on the number line often show?

Correct Answer: Adding ones

Question 8:

We are solving 20 + 30 on the number line. What are we adding?

Correct Answer: Two tens and three tens

Question 9:

We are solving 50 - 20 on the number line. What are we subtracting?

Correct Answer: Five tens and two tens

Question 10:

Which number line is showing 5 + 3?

Correct Answer: Starting at 0 and jumping to 5, then jumping 3 more

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

We use the number line to help us ____ and ____ numbers.

Correct Answer: add

Question 2:

When we add on the number line, we move to the ____.

Correct Answer: right

Question 3:

When we subtract on the number line, we move to the ____.

Correct Answer: left

Question 4:

A big jump on the number line can mean we are adding ____.

Correct Answer: hundreds

Question 5:

A small jump on the number line can mean we are adding ____.

Correct Answer: ones

Question 6:

If we start at 10 and jump 5 to the right, we end up at ____.

Correct Answer: 15

Question 7:

If we start at 20 and jump 10 to the left, we end up at ____.

Correct Answer: 10

Question 8:

On a number line, 10 + 20 = ____.

Correct Answer: 30

Question 9:

On a number line, 30 - 10 = ____.

Correct Answer: 20

Question 10:

A number line helps us ____ math problems.

Correct Answer: solve

Educational Standards

1.NBT.C.4:Add within 100, including adding a two-digit number and a one-digit number, and adding a two-digit number and a multiple of 10, using concrete models or drawings and strategies based on place value, properties of operations, and/or the relationship between addition and subtraction; relate the strategy to a written method and explain the reasoning used. Understand that in adding two-digit numbers, one adds tens and tens, ones and ones; and sometimes it is necessary to compose a ten. 1.OA.A.1:Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem. 1.OA.C.5:Relate counting to addition and subtraction (e.g., by counting on 2 to add 2).

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