standard_description: Understand that positive and negative numbers are used together to describe quantities having opposite directions or values (e.g., temperature above/below zero, elevation above/below sea level, credits/debits, positive/negative electric charge); use positive and negative numbers to represent quantities in real-world contexts, explaining the meaning of 0 in each situation.
problem_activity: Activity
In this info gap activity, students write equations for several proportional relationships given in the contexts of a bike ride and steady rainfall. They use the equations to make predictions.
The info gap structure requires students to make sense of problems by determining what information is necessary, and then to ask for information they need to solve it. This may take several rounds of discussion if their first requests do not yield the information they need (MP1). It also allows them to refine the language they use and ask increasingly more precise questions until they get the information they need (MP6).
Here is the text of the cards for reference and planning:
[IMG]
Launch
Engagement: Develop Effort and Persistence.
Display or provide students with a physical copy of the written directions. Check for understanding by inviting students to rephrase directions in their own words. Keep the display of directions visible throughout the activity.
Supports accessibility for: Memory; Organization
Conversing
: This activity uses
MLR4 Information Gap
to give students a purpose for discussing information necessary to write equations for proportional relationships. Display questions or question starters for students who need a starting point such as: “Can you tell me . . . (specific piece of information)”, and “Why do you need to know . . . (that piece of information)?"
Design Principle(s): Cultivate Conversation
Student Facing
Your teacher will give you either a
problem card
or a
data card
. Do not show or read your card to your partner.
If your teacher gives you the
problem card
:
Silently read your card and think about what information you need to be able to answer the question.
Ask your partner for the specific information that you need.
Explain how you are using the information to solve the problem.
Continue to ask questions until you have enough information to solve the problem.
Share the
problem card
and solve the problem independently.
Read the
data card
and discuss your reasoning.
If your teacher gives you the
data card
:
Silently read your card.
Ask your partner
“What specific information do you need?”
and wait for them to
ask
for information.
If your partner asks for information that is not on the card, do not do the calculations for them. Tell them you don’t have that information.
Before sharing the information, ask “
Why do you need that information?
” Listen to your partner’s reasoning and ask clarifying questions.
Read the
problem card
and solve the problem independently.
Share the
data card
and discuss your reasoning.
Pause here so your teacher can review your work. Ask your teacher for a new set of cards and repeat the activity, trading roles with your partner.
Student Response
Teachers with a valid work email address can
click here to register or sign in
for free access to Student Response.
Activity Synthesis
Invite students to share their equations and predictions. Record their equations displayed for all to see. Ask them to explain how they determined the constant of proportionality as well as why it made sense to represent the situation with a proportional relationship.


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