Cartesian Coordinate Hop – Coordinate Moves

Mat: Cartesian Coordinate Hop

Grade Guidance: Grade 5; negative-coordinate routes are a Grade 6 extension.

Focus: Predict which coordinate changes during a horizontal or vertical move.

Connected Standards: NY-5.G.1.

Try the Activity:

1. Begin at (2, 3) and state both coordinates. Predict the result of moving 3 units right, then move to check: (5, 3).
2. From (5, 3), move 2 units up to (5, 5). Describe which coordinate changed in each move.
3. Try 1 unit left to (4, 5), then 4 units down to (4, 1). Keep all coordinates between 0 and 10 for the core activity.
4. Record the starting point, direction, distance, and ending point. Ask a partner to check the route.

Worked Example: A horizontal move changes x and leaves y unchanged; a vertical move changes y and leaves x unchanged.

Quick Check: From (6, 2), where will 3 units left take you? (3, 2).

Adapt: Use a paper grid and one move at a time. Extend with two directions or a route designed by a partner; teach negative coordinates separately if used.

Reflect: Choose a classroom use and one question that will reveal student understanding. Invite students to explain the movement and record an equation, diagram, or sentence.