Estimation  

Theresa W. Akpan                Wells Community Academy
                                936 N. Ashland Ave.
                                Chicago IL 60622
                                (312) 534-7010

Objective(s):  Grade level: 5th through 8th
     
     - The students will be able to estimate numbers of objects by sampling.
  
     - The students will be able to contrast and compare sampling with guessing.

Materials Needed:

              bag of Baby lima beans  
              box of Creamettes Marcaroni
     4 oz.    containers with lids plastic (Clear)
    12-inch   trays  
              color markers and crayola chalk
    12-inch   rulers
    36-inch   poster
     1        overhead Projector  
              pre-labeled broken-line graphing paper with transparencies

Strategy:
     
     Have the students: 
    
     . divide class into groups of four
     . guess a full container of Baby Lima Beans & Macaroni 
     . select dual roles: estimator, recorder, checker, and reporter/Grapher
     . record the number of guesses on data sheet and broken-line graph
     . use one scoop, marker, ruler, 4 oz full container with lid, and tray
     . take one scoop for estimate from 4 oz container of Baby Lima Beans &
       Marcaroni
     . estimate count for full container 
     . check the number Baby Lima Beans & Marcaroni count
     . report the result of guesses and sampling to the class 
     . use the transparency sheet for broken-line graph on the overhead 
       projector
     . discuss the high and low points of guesses, sample, and estimate count 
       on the graph to the class

Conclusions:

     Students will learn to: 
     
     - estimate by taking a sample
     - make a broken-line graph to analyze data
     - improve cooperative learning skills by role playing