Use fractions to estimate candy counts. After watching a video of emptying a bag of candies into a glass, individuals estimate the number of candies of each color. The teacher provides the class with additional information to help answer the questions. While confirming their estimates, pupils modify their estimation strategies.

Concepts

fractions, fraction models, estimation, estimation fractions

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Instructional Ideas

• Use after Sweet Tart Hearts to have pupils try out a different method for estimation

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes knowledge of fractions
• See mathematician Dan Meyer's blog about Three Act Tasks before trying the activity

Pros

• Includes an engaging method of finding the answer
• Formatted to clearly highlight the questions to ask and expectations of students

Cons

• None

Common Core

3.NF.A.1 4.NF.B.4.a 4.NF.B.4.b 4.NF.B.4.c