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Episode 121: Less Than Zero

Episode 121: Less Than Zero

Math Topic Negative Numbers
The Big Idea Numbers don't have to stop at zero! Negative numbers - numbers that are less than zero - can extend the range of what you can measure on a scale and give you the ability to compare numbers using direction as well as amount.
NCTM LinksNumber & Operations
Episode Description The Leaders of Cyberspace have gathered to discuss Hacker's increasing influence, when they are suddenly interrupted by Hacker. Buzz and Delete, Hacker's henchmen, hide the leaders including Dr. Marbles, in the building and its' up to the kids to rescue them. Before long, the kids discover that they can only move between the building's levels by scaling its outside walls! So the kids turn the building into a giant ruler in order to keep track of the floors. And when they discover that there are levels beneath what they thought was "zero," the kids must tap into the power of negative numbers.
- Kid Synopsis
For RealKeeping it Positive
Harry needs a score of fifty in order to qualify for the Northern Hemisphere games. During the ice skating competition, his performance is so bad his score is a negative number. Can his performance in other events have a positive result?
Math Message: Numbers don't have to stop at zero! Negative numbers -- numbers that are less than zero -- can extend the range of what you can measure on a scale and give you the ability to compare numbers using direction as well as amount.
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Online Games Space Coupe to the Rescue
In this math game, the player needs to master the concept of positive and negative numbers in order to track down a series of virus pods that Hacker is placing in various areas of a Cybersite. By choosing a positive or negative number, the player controls the vertical position of a spaceship. If the spaceship reaches the same vertical position as a virus pod, the pod is destroyed.


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