7th Grade Math Lesson
Integers, Opposites, and Absolute Value: Making Sense of the Number Line
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7th GradeBTC Style / Thinking ClassroomsCCSS.MATH.CONTENT.7.NS.A.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.C.5, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.C.680 min
Learning Objective
Students will represent integers and their opposites on a number line, and compute and interpret absolute value in mathematical and real-world contexts.
Lesson Overview
Students progress from placing integers on a number line to comparing and interpreting absolute value in real-world contexts, changing one variable at a time across 9 thin-sliced tasks.
Materials
- Vertical whiteboards or chart paper
- Dry-erase markers (one per student)
- Pencils and paper (for consolidation notes)
Scaffolded Task Progression
1Task 1
Draw a number line from to . Place and label these integers: , , , , .
2Task 2
On your number line, find and label the opposite of each number: the opposite of , the opposite of , and the opposite of .
3Task 3
Without measuring, just by looking at your number line: Which is farther from zero — or ? How do you know?
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