Absolute Value in the Real World: 6th Grade Math 6.NS.C.7.C

Absolute Value can be a tricky topic to teach. It seems so easy and simple, but students actually need a strong, conceptual understanding of it for later years in middle school and high school math, so it definitely can't be skipped or glossed over!

Here's a ready-to-go lesson all about absolute value for students in 6th grade. It is designed to meet standard CCSS 6.NS.C.7.c

This lesson could also be a great review for students in grades 7 or 8 or could even be used in high school special education classrooms.

First, there is a simple handout that explains what absolute value is using an easy, visual analogy: a dart board.

Then, there are two pages of real-world questions for students to approach using an understanding of absolute value. From bank accounts, to elevation, to temperatures, to golf games, we actually use absolute value regularly in our number system without even noticing it! These questions require students to use number lines, integers, and absolute value proficiently.

Students will notice how depending on the question, you may need to use an integer or an absolute value. They will start to see how absolute value can be helpful when calculating the difference between two numbers on a number line.

A complete answer key is also included!

If you enjoy this product, check out other grade 6 math number system lessons in my store:

Middle School Math Stations or Centers: Fraction Operations: Add, Subtract, Multiply, Divide

Multiplication and Division: Real Life Word Problems for Grades 4-6

Decimal Operations Assessment: Add, Subtract, Multiply, and Divide

Middle School Math Stations or Centers: Factors, Multiples, Prime and Composite

Integers and Plotting to Make Pictures in 4 Quadrant Cartesian Planes

Combinations of Transformations in 4 Quadrants: Translation, Rotation, Reflection

Real-Life Integers: Working with Integers and Number Lines Grade 6 Math