The Other Side of Zero

Content Standards

Students understand integers as numbers that extend beyond natural numbers.
They explore representation of integers on a number line, opposites of numbers, and basic operations (addition and subtraction).

Performance Standards

Students will be able to:

Identify integers on a number line (positive, negative, and zero).
Recognize the meaning of “opposite numbers.”
Perform simple addition and subtraction of integers using a number line.
Apply integers to real-life contexts (temperature, elevations, debts/credits).

Alignment Standards

Reference: NCERT Grade 6 Mathematics – Chapter 10: The Other Side of Zero.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

Define integers and explain how they extend beyond whole numbers.
Show positive and negative numbers on a number line.
Find the opposite of a given integer.
Solve simple addition and subtraction problems using a number line.
Connect integers to real-life contexts (below zero temperatures, heights, bank balance, etc.).

Prerequisites (Prior Knowledge)

Knowledge of whole numbers (0, 1, 2, 3, …).
Ability to use a number line for counting.
Basic understanding of “more” and “less.”

Introduction

Begin by asking:

Students will connect this discussion to the need for negative numbers and the complete set of integers.

Timeline (40 Minutes)

Title	Approximate Duration	Procedure	Reference Material
Engage	5	Show real-life situations: temperature at –3°C, elevator going 2 floors below ground level, bank balance in debt. “What happens to numbers when we go below zero? Can the temperature be less than 0°C?” “What if you owe someone 5 rupees? How do we write it?” Activity: Show a thermometer with markings above and below zero. Discuss how zero acts as the middle point.	Slides
Explore	10	Show Image Of building on the board (with -2 to +5). And ask If you are in a lift in this Building and you: Start at +2 → Move down 3 floors → Where are you? or Start at -1 → Move up 4 floors → Where are you??	Slides
Explain	10	Teacher explanation: Define integers: {…, –3, –2, –1, 0, +1, +2, +3, …}. Zero separates positive and negative integers. Opposites: +5 ↔ –5, +2 ↔ –2. Use the VR Lab : Addition (move up). Subtraction (move down).	Slides and Virtual Lab
Evaluate	10	1.Conduct a MCQ to check understanding of the key concepts.	Virtual Lab
Extend	5	Scenario thinking: The temperature in Leh is –5°C. It rises by 7°C. What is the new temperature? A diver is at –12 m. He goes up 5 m. Where is he now?	Slides

The Other Side of Zero

Introduction

In this lesson, students will learn about integers and how they describe and compare positive and negative quantities in everyday situations. Through interactive examples, real-life scenarios, and games like Snakes and Ladders, students will explore how integers work and why they are essential for math reasoning, real-life decision making, and problem-solving.

Theory

Introduction: Why Integers?

Have you ever wondered what it means when the weather forecast says it’s -5 °C, or your game score drops by 10 points?

We see positive and negative numbers everywhere — from thermometers to elevators and even in our bank accounts.

For example, If you have $20 and spend $30, your balance becomes -10 dollars. What does that mean? You now owe money — that’s a negative amount. We need to learn about integers — to understand values below zero, not just above it.

What are Integers?

Integers are whole numbers that can be positive, negative, or zero. They do not include decimals or fractions.

Key Components:

Positive Integers: Numbers greater than zero (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 50)
Negative Integers: Numbers less than zero (e.g., -1, -2, -3, -50)
Zero: The neutral number between positive and negative integers

Example:
If the temperature on a thermometer is 5°C today and -3°C tomorrow, we’re using integers to describe it.

Steps / Process / Rules

How to Add and Subtract Integers:

Step 1: Look at the signs (positive or negative).
Step 2:

If the signs are the same, add and keep the same sign.
If signs are different, subtract and keep the sign of the larger number.

Step 3: Place the answer on a number line to visualize it.

Example:
-4 + 7 = 3 (Different signs: subtract 7 – 4 = 3, keep the sign of the larger number, which is +)

Visual Representation

Number Line:

Integers are placed on a horizontal number line, with 0 in the Center, positive numbers to the right, and negative numbers to the left.

Applications / Why is it Useful?

Here are some real-world situations where we use integers:

Thermometers – To read temperatures above and below zero (e.g., -3°C)
Bank Accounts – To represent debts or overdrawn balances (e.g., -$10)
Games – Scoring systems often use integers for gains (+10) and losses (-5)
Elevators – Floors below ground are labeled as negative numbers (e.g., -2)
Snakes and Ladders / Dice Games – Moving forward and backward uses positive and negative movement

Vocabulary

This is the list of vocabulary terms used throughout the lesson.

Integer: A whole number that can be positive, negative, or zero.
Positive Integer: A number greater than zero (e.g., 1, 2, 3).
Negative Integer: A number less than zero (e.g., -1, -2, -3).
Zero: A neutral number that separates positive and negative integers.
Number Line: A line on which integers are placed at equal intervals, used to compare or calculate with integers.
Opposite Numbers: Two integers that are the same distance from zero but in opposite directions (e.g., +4 and -4).
Absolute Value: The distance of a number from zero, always positive (e.g., |-5| = 5).
Ascending Order: Numbers arranged from smallest to largest (e.g., -3, 0, 2).
Descending Order: Numbers arranged from largest to smallest (e.g., 3, 0, -2).

The Other Side of Zero

Introduction

Welcome to The Other Side of Zero!

You’re on a rescue mission deep under the sea. Your submarine starts below zero, and your job is to bring it safely back to the surface. Each move uses integers — add positive numbers to rise and see how close you get to zero. Watch your submarine climb with every correct step, answer quick quiz questions along the way, and complete your mission by breaking through to the surface!

Key Features

Immersive Learning: Students dive into a virtual submarine world to experience integers in action.
Interactive Gameplay: The submarine moves based on integer addition and subtraction, making abstract concepts hands-on.
Real-world Scenario: A rescue mission setting makes learning practical, exciting, and goal-oriented.
Visual Representation: Depth below sea level is shown with negative integers, while rising above is shown with positive integers.
Feedback System: Real-time updates display the submarine’s position after every move.
MCQ Quiz: Checkpoints include multiple-choice questions for practice, engagement, and assessment.

Step-by-Step Procedure for VR Experience

Step 1: Start the Experience

Launch the VR application “The Other Side of Zero.”
The screen shows a submarine deep below the ocean.

Step 2: Read the Goal

A text
“Your mission is to bring the submarine to the surface using integers.”

Step 3: Check Starting Point

The submarine begins at a position below zero on the number line (e.g., –40).

Step 4: Choose a Number

Students select an integer between 0 and 40 to move the submarine upward.

Step 5: See the Update

The system calculates and displays the new position (e.g., –40 + 12 = –28).
The submarine moves visually closer to zero.

Step 6: Repeat the Steps

Students keep choosing integers and watching the updates.
Each choice brings the submarine closer to zero.

Step 7: Complete the Mission

When the submarine reaches or crosses zero, a success message appears.
Students celebrate completing the mission while understanding how integers move along a number line.