TV on a Rolling Cart

Estimating

From BrainPOP

Estimating
3rd4thMath
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Summary

Accuracy is overrated! In this BrainPOP movie, Tim and Moby will show you that sometimes, being almost right is good enough. Discover what an estimate is as well as when it’s a good idea to make an estimate. Tim will show you why estimating may be the most useful skill you learn in math class, and how it’s different than just plain old guesswork. You’ll learn how to estimate your budget, your time, and how far you have to travel. You’ll also find out how a map scale can be useful, and how to use one when estimating the distance from one place to another. Next, Tim will show you how to estimate the straight-line distance between two spots. You’ll even learn how to estimate circular distances! Watch and see why close is often good enough.

Viewer safety

Ages 7+

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Teaching resources

Discussion questions

A few questions to talk through after watching Estimating:

  1. What is one new thing you learned about estimating?
  2. Can you explain it to a partner in your own words?
  3. Where might you see this in the real world?
  4. What is one question you still have?

Quick work-a-long

Try it:

  • Write one sentence explaining estimating.
  • Draw or give one example of your own.