Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Pumpkin Estimation

Students have explored estimation this week. I explained estimation as making a reasonable guess, and we have discussed how to come up with reasonable estimates. On Monday, students completed a pumpkin investigation book to help them try their estimation skills. They were asked to estimate three things about our classroom pumpkin: its weight, its height, and the number of lines on it. We then measured the actual weight, height, and number of lines on the pumpkin and compared it to their estimates. Finally, I asked students to cut a piece of yarn to show their estimate of the pumpkin's circumference. We charted our results today, as seen in the photos below.
Some estimates were too long, some too short, and some were JUST RIGHT!
Students checked their own estimates and then put the yarn in the appropriate place on the chart.
Some students wanted to know if their yarn would go around a different part of the pumpkin, if it didn't quite fit around the standard way.
If time allows, I hope to cut open the pumpkin on Thursday or Friday and have students estimate and count the number of seeds inside it. We can then count them, roast them, and eat them! :-)
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