Activity Detail

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Hot Air Balloon
 


Activity Overview

This activity provides students with a visual for adding and subtracting integers and helps students understand that subtraction can be thought of as adding the opposite.
A hot air balloon begins with a certain number of helium bags (providing lift) and the same number of sand bags (providing weight). The vertical position of the hot air balloon is determined by adding or removing a number of helium bags (representing positive integers) and sand bags (representing negative integers).

Before the Activity

Download the attached PDF and look over the information on the first page. Download and distribute the attached .tns file and Student Worksheet for use during the activity.

During the Activity

Discuss the material from the activity pages and worksheet with students as needed.

After the Activity

Encourage students to summarize what they have learned from completing the activity. Discuss possible extensions with students.

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Subject Area:
Math : Algebra I : Expressions

Author:
Texas Instruments

Level:
9-12, 5-8

Activity Time:
45 Minutes

Device:
TI-Nspire™ CAS, TI-Nspire™

Apps:
 

Software:
TI-Nspire™, TI-Nspire™ CAS

Accessories:
 

Other:
 

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