Counting Piece Model
In this lesson, red and black counting pieces are used to develop ideas about signed numbers. These counting pieces are then used to model situations and solve problems or find out more information.
The basic idea is that of opposite values. There are lots of examples in real life where opposite values are used to describe concepts or situations. Some examples are stock price gains (+) and losses (-), elevation above sea level (+) andbelow sea level (-), yardage gained (+) and lost (-) in football games, temperature above zero (+) and below zero (-). See if you can think of some more examples with your child.
The basic model...the pieces are red on one side and black on the other:
Another important concept is that of net value. Here are a couple of examples...
Do you see what the concept of net value means? Here is an example to clarify...
Here are some important ideas that will come back as we explore models for the basic operations with signed numbers in the next three lessons. Take some time to discuss them with your child.
