Lesson 6

Using Estimation

Est. Class Sessions: 2–3
X

Mathematical Standards

4.NBT.A
Generalize place value understanding for multi-digit whole numbers. (4.NBT.A.2, 4.NBT.A.3)

Standards for Mathematical Practice

MP1.
Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
MP2.
Reason quantitatively.
MP3.
Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
MP6.
Attend to precision.

Students estimate the number of objects in a collection by comparing it with a known number of the same object, discuss which estimates are close, and determine a reasonable range for “good” estimates. In Part 2, students use number lines and benchmarks to round numbers. They estimate sums and differences using rounded numbers and explore when it is appropriate to use an estimate.

Content in this Lesson

  • Estimating the number of objects in a collection [E7].
  • Using benchmarks on a number line to round numbers [E6].
  • Choosing appropriate convenient numbers [E6].
  • Reading and writing large numbers (to the millions) [E1].
  • Comparing and ordering large numbers (to the millions) [E2].
  • Representing large numbers using number lines [E3].
  • Estimating sums and differences for large numbers [E9].
  • Reasoning about quantities.
X

Materials for Students

Daily Practice and Problems Lesson Homework Assessment

Student Books

 Student Guide

Teacher Resources

 Teacher Guide - digital

Supplies for Students

Articles and resources with large numbers collected and displayed in Lesson 2 Newswire

Materials for the Teacher

5 jars for mystery jars. See Materials Preparation.
5 resealable plastic bags for mystery jar reference. See Materials Preparation.
small items for mystery jar. See Materials Preparation.
chart paper for display, optional
Display of Math Practices Notes Master (Teacher Guide)
Unit 6 Assessment Record
Math Facts Class Record

Materials Preparation

Prepare Mystery Jars and Bags. Prepare at least 4 mystery jars filled with items for students to estimate. Select jars of different sizes so that there is a noticeable range of capacity and fill at least two of the jars with the same small item. The lesson involves comparing large and small estimates. For example, you can include a baby food jar and a quart jar, both filled with small marshmallows. Select jars that are clear glass or plastic so students can see the contents. You may choose a variety of small objects to fill the jars (marbles, beans, small marshmallows, chocolate candies, small pebbles, large paper clips, etc.) so long as two differently-sized jars hold the same item. Record the total number of objects in the jar and paste it to the inside of the lid. Label the jars Jar 1, Jar 2, etc. Then count out an additional number (50 or 100) of each object used to fill the jars, put these objects in a resealable plastic bag, and label the bag clearly with the quantity that is in it. Your students will use these as a reference while estimating. They will compare the known number of objects in the reference bag to the quantity that is in each mystery jar. Place the four jars with their reference bags at four different locations around your classroom.

Prepare one additional mystery jar and reference bag to use for an assessment task at the end of the activity. Include about 250 objects in this mystery jar, with about 50 objects in the reference bag.

Assessment in this Lesson

Assessment Expectation Assessed Math Practice Assessed

Using Estimation
Check-In:
Question 23
Student Guide
Page 242
and corresponding
Feedback Box
Teacher Guide - digital
E9.
Estimate sums and differences for large numbers.
MPE1.
Know the problem. I read the problem carefully. I know the questions to answer and what information is important.
MPE3.
Check for reasonableness. I look back at my solution to see if my answer makes sense. If it does not, I try again.
MPE5.
Show my work. I show or tell how I arrived at my answer so someone else can understand my thinking.
MPE6.
Use labels. I use labels to show what numbers mean.

Big Numbers Quiz
Assessment Master
with Feedback Box
Teacher Guide - digital
E1.
Read and write large numbers (to the millions).
E2.
Compare and order large numbers (to the millions).
E3.
Represent large numbers (to the millions) using place value charts, number lines, and number sentences (e.g., 10,705 = 10,000 + 700 + 5).
E6.
Round quantities to benchmark numbers.
E9.
Estimate sums and differences for large numbers.

Journal Prompt
Teacher Guide - digital
E7.
Estimate quantities.

DPP Item S
Fact Family Quiz:
5s and 10s
Teacher Guide - digital
E11.
Determine the unknown number in a multiplication or division sentence relating three whole numbers for the 5s and 10s facts.

DPP Item U
Division Quiz:
5s and 10s
Teacher Guide - digital
E10.
Demonstrate fluency with the division facts for the 5s and 10s.

Vocabulary in this Lesson