Clear jars
Various small objects (e.g., beads, marbles, buttons, candies)
Labels with numbers
Paper and pencils for recording estimates
Introduction:
Explain the concept of number sense and how estimation activities can help build it.
Introduce the idea of using a series of estimation jars to make educated guesses.
Activity Setup:
Prepare a series of clear jars, each filled with different quantities of small objects.
Label several of the jars with the correct amounts, leaving one jar as a “mystery” jar without a label.
Observation and Estimation:
Display all the jars, including the mystery jar, to the students. Allow them to observe the contents of each jar.
Ask the students to use the numbers they know from the labeled jars to estimate the number of objects in the mystery jar.
Have each student write down their estimate for the mystery jar on a piece of paper.
Discussion:
Discuss the estimates as a class. Ask questions like:
How did you use the known quantities to make your estimate for the mystery jar?
What clues did the labeled jars give you about the mystery jar?
Reveal the Quantity:
After discussing the estimates, reveal the actual number of objects in the mystery jar. Compare the actual number to the students’ estimates.
Reflection:
Reflect on the activity. Ask students:
How close were your estimates to the actual number?
What strategies did you use that worked well?
What could you do next time to make a better estimate?
Repeat with Variation:
Repeat the activity with different jars and different quantities of objects to provide more practice and help students improve their estimation skills.
Extensions:
Use different types of objects and jars of various sizes to challenge students’ estimation abilities.
Create a regular estimation jar challenge where students can track their progress over time.
Incorporate group discussions and collaborative estimation activities to encourage peer learning and sharing of strategies.
This activity helps students build number sense and estimation skills in a practical and engaging way, making math both fun and meaningful.