Estimation Stations

Skill: Estimating & Subtraction | No. of Players: Any | Set-up: Lengthy

Students use observations and knowledge of number concepts to estimate the quantity of various items. Then they count the actual number before solving for the difference between their estimations and the actual number.

Materials:

• Estimation Recording Sheet

• Various classroom items

• Paper and pencils for recording

How to play:

1. Before gameplay: Set up stations with items of varying quantities and pass out recording sheet.

2. Students view item sets for 5-10 seconds then write their estimate on their estimate on a recording sheet.

3. Ask students show they determined their estimate. Help them to elaborate by asking what they observed or any groupings they noticed?

4. After discussing, show the item set again and allow students to count the number of items and record that number in the actual number column. Then instruct students to solve for the difference in their estimate and actual number

5. Repeat steps 2-4 for all item sets.

6. Close the activity with discussion about how estimates helped them to figure out the actual number. Make sure to highlight key strategies and reasoning strategies that allowed students to get accurate estimates.

Modifications:

1. Bundle the objects together to allow students to see equal groups. This helps students to make better estimates closer to actual amounts due to the aspect of subitizing being observed.

2. Add movement! Allow students to rotate (5s per station) between different stations set up around the room before identifying the actual number of items and discussions.