Addition and Subtraction - Estimate and Approximate - Presentation

In the seventh lesson of a series on addition and subtraction, students are introduced to the concepts of estimating and approximating numerical values. The lesson aims to enhance their understanding of rounding numbers and using these rounded figures to estimate the results of various calculations. Students are encouraged to discuss what it means to estimate and approximate, setting the stage for practical activities where they will apply these skills. The lesson includes a series of exercises where students must decide which numbers to round in order to estimate sums effectively, such as determining the best way to estimate the total of 22,223 and 5,687 by considering different rounded values.

Further activities challenge students to select the most accurate estimations for a range of addition problems, using their judgement to round numbers to the nearest ten, hundred, or thousand as appropriate. For example, they must decide between 32,233 + 4,266 and various rounded combinations to find the best estimate. The lesson also applies estimation to real-life scenarios, such as calculating the approximate total cost of a school trip, including ticket prices, coach costs, and lunch expenses. Students are prompted to round each cost to a whole number before summing them up to provide an overall estimate. The lesson concludes with reasoning questions and independent work, where students practice choosing correct estimations and reflect on the importance of being able to make quick estimates in everyday situations.