Seven word problems set in a ski resort, covering negative numbers for Year 4 maths. Pupils track falling temperatures at the Snow Peak Hotel, ride a lift down to floors below ground, and work out a bank balance that drops below zero, then finish with a reasoning question about comparing negative temperatures. Full solutions are included. Built on the England National Curriculum objective on counting backwards through zero.
Number - number and place value
“Count backwards through zero to include negative numbers”
Temperatures, floors and money all cross zero in context.
Number - number and place value
“Solve number and practical problems that involve all of the above and with increasingly large positive numbers”
Every question is a practical problem rather than a bare calculation.
Word problems like a 4°C lunchtime reading that drops 6 degrees by midnight, with working space.
Lift problems using negative floor numbers, starting from reception on floor 0.
Mum has £15 and spends £20 on ski passes, so pupils find the balance below zero.
A reasoning question about comparing two negative temperatures.
Main activity
Use the full sheet in a negative numbers lesson; the story carries pupils through all seven problems.
Reasoning plenary
Save the Hotel Manager's Mistake question for a class discussion at the end.
Homework
The solutions make it straightforward for pupils or parents to check.
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