Lesson Plan: Estimation and Rounding

Subject: Mathematics Topic: Number, Money, and Measure Level: Second Level (Scottish Curriculum)

Desired Outcome: I can use my knowledge of rounding to routinely estimate the answer to a problem then, after calculating, decide if my answer is reasonable, sharing my solution with others.

Lesson Duration: 60 minutes

Resources: - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - Worksheets with estimation and rounding problems - Calculators (optional)

Introduction (10 minutes): 1. Begin the lesson by asking the students if they know what estimation and rounding mean. 2. Discuss the importance of estimation and rounding in everyday life, such as when shopping, measuring, or calculating time. 3. Explain that estimation is an educated guess or approximation of a number, while rounding is a way to simplify numbers to make them easier to work with. 4. Share the desired outcome with the students: “Today, we will learn how to use estimation and rounding to solve problems, and then decide if our answers are reasonable.”

Development (40 minutes): 1. Write the following problem on the board: “The distance from my house to the park is 2.7 kilometers. Estimate the distance to the nearest kilometer.” 2. Discuss with the students how they can estimate the distance. Encourage them to think about rounding the number to the nearest whole number. 3. Allow the students a few minutes to estimate the distance individually, and then ask for volunteers to share their estimations. 4. Write the correct answer (3 kilometers) on the board and discuss why it is a reasonable estimation. 5. Provide more examples of estimation and rounding problems, such as estimating the cost of items, rounding measurements, or estimating the time it takes to complete a task. 6. Give the students worksheets with estimation and rounding problems. Allow them to work individually or in pairs to solve the problems. 7. Circulate around the classroom, providing support and guidance as needed. 8. After the students have completed the worksheets, ask them to share their solutions with the class. Discuss whether their answers are reasonable and why. 9. If time permits, provide additional estimation and rounding problems for the students to solve as a class or in small groups.

Conclusion (10 minutes): 1. Summarize the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of estimation and rounding in problem-solving. 2. Ask the students to reflect on how estimation and rounding can help them in their daily lives. 3. Encourage the students to practice estimation and rounding skills outside of the classroom, such as when shopping or measuring. 4. Provide feedback and praise for the students’ efforts during the lesson.

Note: This lesson plan can be adapted and modified to suit the specific needs and abilities of the students in your class.