GUESSTIMATION WITH ESTIMATION

MASTER TEACHER  Lori Fleet

MATH AND SCIENCE
GRADES 4-6

OVERVIEW
This lesson provides students with an understanding of estimation and scientific problem solving investigations.  Using hands-on activities, students gain an understanding that estimation is a part of our everyday life and a powerful mathematical concept.  Through interaction, students develop science skills keeping their estimation investigation number spread within a reasonable range testing their ability to make an accurate estimate.  Video incorporation of actual estimation procedures within the real world validate the importance of estimation in our every day life.

ITV SERIES
The Eddie Files  #2 Going To The Dogs

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students will be able to:
*make estimations using measurement/
mathematical reasoning
*use scientific procedure to create and test a reasonable hypothesis based on estimation
 *list and analyze uses of estimation in the real world
*list and evaluate why approximations can make better sense than exact answers using real world applications

MATERIALS
(per student)
1 student journal or notebook paper
"GOING BUG-E" (E is for estimation)
Raisin Guesstimation outline

OPTIONAL ITEMS
fresh tree leaves
live ladybugs

(per group)
ziplock bag of pennies(30 min.)
white paper(large enough to cover a table)
three cereal bowls
standard measuring scale
3 boxes of raisin cereal, miniature breakfast snack size (same brand and size)

(per class)
Vis-´å-vis markers
standard ruler

Updated:  April 01, 2008