LEARNING POSITIVE NEGATIVE NUMBERS | NHL WORKSHEET

PLUS MINUS STAT IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE NUMBERS

Using stats from sports is a great way to get some kids interested in math concepts. One stat used in hockey is called Plus Minus. You get a plus if you are on the ice when your team scores a goal, and you get a minus if you are on the ice when your opponent scores on you. This stat is a great example of positive and negative numbers.

I've made up a few examples the kids can work through featuring the NHL's top scoring player Alex Ovechkin!

We start off simple, he scores a couple of goals and has a positive number.

 On the other side, the team that is scored on by Ovechkin, they head into negative numbers.

I throw in a general numerical sense question to reinforce the idea of positive and negative numbers in this situation. 

 The we do it all again. Starting with a new scenario featuring New Jersey Devils star forward Taylor Hall. Again we start in positive territory.

Then we take a look at the opposite side of the equation - the negative numbers. 

 Then we put both the positive numbers and negative numbers together and show what happens.

 Then I leave the kids with a complex question combining both positive and negative numbers to work out. This time I use the much talked about John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Most hockey fans will know of the Plus Minus stat, but, have many actually thought about the actual numbers behind it? I'm hoping this real world example of how positive and negative numbers work will spark some interest in math and number sense.