Contextualization

Mathematics is an area of knowledge that is present in various aspects of our daily lives. An important part of this discipline, which will be the focus of our project, is the study of numbers and their ordering – more specifically, the study of absolute numbers and numerical order.

In mathematics, absolute value refers to the distance from a number to the origin, zero, on the real number line. This distance is always positive or zero, never negative. Therefore, the absolute value of a real number is its value without a sign. For example, the absolute value of -5 is 5, and the absolute value of 5 is also 5. Absolute value provides a measure of size that is independent of direction.

Numerical order consists of arranging numbers in ascending or descending order. In the case of real numbers, we say that one number a is less than another number b if the distance from a to zero on the real number line is less than the distance from b to zero. For example, -3 is less than 2 because the distance from -3 to zero is 3, which is greater than the distance from 2 to zero, which is 2.

These two concepts are essential for solving many mathematical problems. Furthermore, they have a variety of practical applications in the real world. Absolute value is used, for example, to calculate distances, regardless of direction. This is particularly useful in areas such as physics and engineering. Numerical ordering, in turn, is used in a wide variety of contexts, from data classification to performance evaluation.

To deepen your knowledge of these concepts, I recommend the following resources:

1. Absolute Value and Numerical Order - Khan Academy
2. Order and Absolute Value - Brasil Escola
3. Absolute Value - Só Matemática

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Adventure on the Number Line"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to explore the concepts of absolute value and numerical order through a playful and interactive game. Students, working in groups of three to five, will create a game board and challenging cards based on the concepts of absolute value and numerical order.

Detailed Project Description

Students will create a game board representing a number line, playing cards with questions about absolute value and numerical order, and rules for the game. Additionally, they will play the game and reflect on their experience and learnings. The project will culminate in a written project report.

Required Materials

1. Cardboard/cardstock for the game board
2. Cardboard or thicker paper for playing cards
3. Colored markers for drawing and writing
4. Tape measure or ruler for measurements
5. Dice for playing the game
6. Notebook/computer for research
7. Writing materials for the report

Step-by-Step Guide for Activity Execution

1. Research: Each group should research about absolute value and numerical order. It is important to understand concepts, principles, and practical applications well, which will be useful in creating the game.
2. Board Creation: The board should represent a number line. Positive and negative numbers can be included to make the game more challenging.
3. Card Creation: The cards should contain questions related to absolute value and numerical order. Examples of questions may include "What is the absolute value of -7?" or "Put the following numbers in descending order: -3, 5, 0, -1".
4. Rule Creation: The group should create rules for the game, including how to move around the board, how to use the cards, and how to win the game.
5. Play the Game: Students should play the game to test it and enhance their absolute value and numerical order skills.
6. Reflection and Improvement: Students should reflect on the game experience, discuss what they learned, and how they could improve the game.
7. Report: Each group should write a report on the project, including an introduction (contextualizing the theme and objectives), development (activity details, results, and learnings), conclusions (synthesis of key points and insights), and bibliography (sources consulted during the project).

Project Deliverables

Students must deliver the game board, the cards, the game rules, and the written report. The report should complement the practical activity, deepening the theory behind the concepts, detailing the game creation process and rules, discussing the results and learnings from the experience, and citing the sources used. The report will be an opportunity for students to reflect and articulate their learnings in a clear and well-structured manner.