Learning Activity

Finding the Four Quadrants

Subject Area

Mathematics

Grade(s)

6

Overview

In this learning activity from MathsLinks, students will complete a treasure-hunt activity centered on locating points on the number plane and identifying which quadrant they are in or points on the axes.

Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 6

MA19.6.11

Find the position of pairs of integers and other rational numbers on the coordinate plane.

Unpacked Content

UP:MA19.6.11

Vocabulary

  • Coordinate plane
  • Quadrants
  • Coordinate values
  • ordered pairs
  • x axis
  • y axis
  • Reflection

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Strategies for creating coordinate graphs.
  • Strategies for finding vertical and horizontal distance on coordinate graphs.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Graph points corresponding to ordered pairs,
  • Represent real-world and mathematical problems on a coordinate plane.
  • Interpret coordinate values of points in the context of real-world/mathematical situations.
  • Determine lengths of line segments on a coordinate plane when the line segment joins points with the same first coordinate (vertical distance) or the same second coordinate (horizontal distance).

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • A graph can be used to illustrate mathematical situations and relationships. These representations help in conceptualizing ideas and in solving problems,
  • Distances on lines parallel to the axes on a coordinate plane are the same as the related distance on the axis (number line).

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

The students will be able to identify quadrant locations of ordered pairs on the coordinate plane based on the signs of the x and y coordinates. 

Activity Details

1. The teacher may want to review locating points on the coordinate plane and the four quadrants prior to the treasure hunt. 

2. The teacher will need to pass out copies of the Number Plane Treasure Hunt. Each sheet has coordinates in the middle. These are the students' coordinates. They need to find another student whose coordinates match the criteria in each square. They need to write the student's name and coordinates in that square. Each one needs to be a different student. The first student to complete all the squares wins. 

Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

Use formative assessment (observation) to check if students are able to locate points on the number plane and identify which quadrant they are in or points on the axes.

Variation Tips

For struggling students, the teacher can leave a diagram of the coordinate plane with the four quadrants labeled on the board. 

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

Teachers will need to print the pages for the Number Plane Treasure Hunt.

The students will need paper and a pen or pencil.

Digital Tools / Resources

https://mathslinks.net/faculty/number-plane-treasure-hunt

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

mgsaboyd
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