TITLE: Fun With Estimation
AUTHOR: Mark Whitener, KS
GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT: 3-5, math
OVERVIEW: This activity is a timed game that allows
students to practice their estimation skills while shopping
for groceries. Students work in cooperative groups and are
in competition with each other.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this lesson is to give students an
opportunity to practice estimation skills in a real life
situation after a unit on estimation has been taught.
OBJECTIVES: The students will be able to:
1. Use a shopping list to purchase items from a grocery
store.
2. Use estimation skills to keep a running total of items
to be purchased.
3. Avoid over spending.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS: empty packaging from the grocery
store, timer, and calculators
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
1. Have each group number off.
2. Call student number one from each group forward and
give each one an identical shopping list.
3. Give students a money limit and set your timer form one
or two minutes.
4. Upon your signal students will select their items from
the store and will purchase as many additional items as
possible without going over their limit. Allow
students to take items back to the group so they can
help estimate the total. If the student has money
left, and time allows, they can purchase additional
items.
5. When the timer rings have students return to their
table and add up the purchases. If they estimated
carefully and did not go over their limit they may give
themselves one point for each item they purchased. No
points are allowed for groups that go over their limit.
6. Begin the process again with number two students by
giving them a new grocery list. Continue the activity
until each student has had an opportunity to
participate. Keep a running total of each groups
points.
7. Difficulty may be increased by telling students that
they must come within a specified amount of the limit
without going over. For instance, if their limit is
$7.50, tell them they must spend at least $6.50.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: After each student has participated
in this activity, add up each group's points and reward the
group with the most points.
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John Kurilecjmk@ofcn.org