K-4 MATHEMATICS STANDARDS

    ESTIMATION ACTIVITY

    Standard's bullets addressed by activity

    • explore estimation strategies (in numerosity)
    • apply estimation in working with quantities, measurement, computation, and problem solving

    Materials needed

    • Shells, stones, or any discrete objects

    Technology

    • Some students may use a calculator once they find a referent.

    Description of Activity

  • Group or classroom management practices

      • Students work individually or in pairs.

    Fill a jar or any transparent container with shells, stones, or other objects. The objects should be about the same size and shape. Set the container in an area where students can examine it. They are to predict the number of items in the container by writing their predictions on a sheet of paper. Below their prediction, ask them to write an explanation of how they arrived at their estimate. What strategies did they use? How can they verify their predictions?

  • Extensions

    • Display a shell, stone, or other discrete item for students to examine for a few days along with some empty containers. Ask students to predict the size of the container needed to hold 100 (or other quantity) of the item. (Be sure you have enough of the item for them to check out their predictions at the conclusion of the activity.) Include the students' suggestions on how to use the item as a "referent" in making predictions when the class discusses the activity.