Modeling Addition – Visual Word Problems
For each example below, draw a picture that represents the scenario in the problem, and use a number line or
chips to show how to solve the problem. Also, write an ADDITION problem to model each situation.
1. A diver is swimming 20 feet below sea level. He sees a sea turtle 10 feet below him. How deep is the sea
turtle?
2. Kerry owes her mom $10. She makes $12 babysitting. If Kerry pays her mom back, how much money does
she get to keep?
3. A plane is cruising at an altitude of 3,000 feet. The pilot has to dip down 300 feet to avoid turbulence. What
is the altitude of the plane now?
Modeling Addition – Visual Word Problems
Directions: You will write an original word problem representing a real world example involving the addition of
two integers (at least one must be negative), and draw an illustration that will make your problem come to life for
the reader. Your illustration must include a number line OR a variation of the chip model that explains how to get
the solution to the problem. This will count as a test grade, and is due by homeroom on Friday, October 24.
Because you will have two class periods to work on this, late projects will lose 10 points PER WEEK LATE, even if
they are perfect.
0
1
2
The problem does not
make sense or would not
happen in the real
world.
OR
The problem cannot be
solved by adding
integers.
No illustration is drawn.
The problem makes
sense, and is a scenario
that is encountered in
the real world. The
problem can be solved
using addition of two
integers, however, both
are positive.
The problem includes an
illustration, but it does
not directly relate to the
problem.
Modeling Integer
Addition
(x 10)
The student does not
model how to solve the
problem using the chips
or a number line.
The student includes a
number or variation of
the chips, but does not
model how to arrive at a
solution to the problem,
OR does not include the
equation.
Grammar
(x 5)
Major errors in
grammar, punctuation,
or spelling exist.
The problem contains
minor errors in
grammar, punctuation or
spelling. These errors do
not affect one’s ability
to understand the
problem.
Final product contains
minor tears, smudges or
erasures.
OR
Words and pictures are
not outlined in a dark
marker or pen.
The problem makes
sense, and is a scenario
that is encountered in
the real world. The
problem can be solved
using addition of two
integers, one of which is
negative.
The illustration makes
the problem come to life
for the reader.
Illustration is clearly
aligned with the
problem.
The student uses a
number line or variation
of the chips to model
how to solve the
problem. The model
shows how to arrive at a
solution to the problem.
The equation is
included.
The problem is perfect
in terms of grammar and
punctuation. All words
are spelled correctly.
Problem
(x 10)
Illustration
(x 5)
Presentation
(x 5)
Final product is a
disaster and must be
resubmitted.
Final product is neat.
No rips, tears, smudges,
or erasures exist. Words
and pictures are outlined
in a dark marker or pen.
Final Grade:
Your Points