Integers, the number line, absolute value and comparing.
Negative Numbers introduces sixth graders to integers through temperatures and sea level. Kids place negative numbers on a number line, find absolute values and compare integers, preparing them for integer operations in grade 7.
Math course · Grade 6
Negative Numbers · Learning goals
Use negative numbers for temperatures and sea level, place them on a number line, find absolute values and compare integers.
Why it matters
Temperatures below zero, bank balances and elevations below sea level all use negative numbers.
Extending the number line past zero changes how kids think about numbers and order.
Integers are used constantly in algebra, graphing and science.
Inside Negative Numbers
A short read-aloud lesson first, then hands-on games and a quiz to lock it in.
Step 1 · Lesson
A short read-aloud lesson in 5 steps, with pictures and worked examples.
Step 2 · Game
What number is at the red point? (6 problems)
Step 3 · Game
Find the opposite or the distance from zero. (6 problems)
Step 4 · Game
Which is greater? (5 problems)
Step 5 · Game
Use negative numbers to solve. (5 problems)
Lesson preview
This is the real lesson text your child hears, read aloud by a friendly voice.
Negative numbers are less than zero. They sit to the left of 0 on the number line.
Type a negative number with the minus key first: −3.
Opposites are the same distance from 0: 4 and −4 are opposites.
Absolute value is the distance from 0. The absolute value of −7 is 7.
−2 is greater than −5 because it's closer to 0 and further right on the line.
For parents
Learning sticks best when kids use it in real life. Here are simple ideas from this course.
Check the weather in a very cold city and a very hot one. Ask your child to place both temperatures on a number line and find the difference.
Practice
Real questions from Negative Numbers. Try them with your child, then tap to see the answer.
Question 1
7
Question 2
0
Question 3
10
The full course has 22 questions with instant feedback, stars and rewards. Create a free account to play them all.
Negative Numbers · Questions from parents
Negative Numbers is a grade 6 math course for kids ages 11–12. That is Year 7 maths in the UK and Year 6 in Australia. It also works well for review in the next grade, or as a challenge for a confident younger learner.
Use negative numbers for temperatures and sea level, place them on a number line, find absolute values and compare integers. Along the way they practice: Integers on a Line; Opposites and Absolute Value; Compare Integers; Integer Stories.
About 10 minutes in total, split into 4 short levels. Most kids finish it over two or three sessions. Progress is saved, so they can stop any time and pick up where they left off.
Negative Numbers is part of SkillBloom Premium, which unlocks every course in every subject. Each subject also has free courses, so your child can try SkillBloom before you decide.
No. Every lesson has a friendly read-aloud voice, questions are read aloud too, and the pictures help kids follow along. Confident readers can turn the voice off.
Yes. SkillBloom is built for homeschooling families. Kids work through lessons, games and quizzes on their own, and the parent dashboard shows what they finished and which skills need more practice. It works on phones, tablets and laptops.
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