Math Lesson Plan: Integers and Number Lines (Grades 6-8)

Concept to be Taught: Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of integers.

Prior Knowledge: Competence with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Basic understanding of integers and the concept of less than zero.

Materials Needed: Number line sheet, overhead projector

Standards:

IL 6.B.3a: Solve practical computation problems involving whole numbers, integers and rational numbers

IL 8.A.3a: Apply the basic properties of commutative, associative, distributive, transitive, inverse, identity, zero, equality and order of operations to solve problems

Objectives:

1) The students will practice addition and subtraction of integers

2) The students will practice multiplication and division of integers

3) The students will demonstrate problem solving of integers using a number line

Class set up: Students will work individually with their own number line sheets - where they can see the overhead screen.

Anticipatory Set: I know integers can be confusing. Today I am going to show you how to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of integers with nothing but a straight line and a bunch of dashes.

Procedure:

1) Ask students how they think they could use a line and dashes to calculate integer problems

2) Allow students to give their ideas as to how they would do so

3) Give two sample problems and allow students to try to solve using their ideas

4) Have a couple students show on the overhead the methods they used

The first 4 steps should take about 5-10 minutes

5) Draw a number line on the overhead and have the students follow along

6) Explain that when using a number line, all calculations are simply additions and subtractions of a group from zero (e.g. -3x5 is simply taking away three groups of five from zero).

7) Demonstrate solutions for integer problems, making sure the students are following along with their number lines

8) Have the students use the number line to solve a couple sample problems

Assessment: During the lesson, periodically check students' work to ensure they are following along. Provide clarification when needed. Give students a sheet of single digit integer problems. Have them solve the problems using the number line. Check for accuracy.

Closure: Today we have learned that integers are nothing to panic about. We learned that with nothing more than a line, some dashes, and the ability to give and take from zero, we can calculate integers with no sweat.