Word problems set on a fictional expedition, covering intervals across zero for Year 6 maths. Pupils find the gap between 5°C in London and -7°C in Reykjavik, track a submarine diving below -45 m, and solve multi-step logistics problems. A complete answer key sits at the end. Supports the England National Curriculum objective on negative numbers in context.
Number — number and place value
“Use negative numbers in context and calculate intervals across zero”
Every problem crosses zero through temperatures, depths or floor levels.
Temperature word problems with working space, moving between positive and negative readings.
Depth and floor-level problems, including a submarine diving 28 metres below -45 m.
Multi-step calculations plus one comparative reasoning question.
Complete solutions for every problem.
Main activity
The expedition story carries a full lesson on intervals across zero.
Homework
Self-contained word problems that need no equipment beyond a pencil.
Assessment check
Part 3 shows quickly who can chain negative-number steps without support.
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