teaching resource

Estimating Sums & Differences Interactive Picture Reveal

Updated: 20 Oct 2023

Send your students on an intergalactic maths adventure while practising how to estimate sums and differences of whole numbers.

Editable: PowerPoint, Google Slides
Pages: 1 Page
Years: 3 - 4

Curriculum

VC2M3N06

Estimate the quantity of objects in collections and make estimates when solving problems to determine the reasonableness of calculations <ul> <li>estimating how much space a grid paper representation of a large number such as 20 200 will take up on the wall and how much paper will be required</li> <li>estimating the number of people in a large gathering (for example, a school assembly) using known numbers (such as how many students per class)</li> <li>choosing which place value they would estimate to for different situations; for example, choosing to estimate to the nearest ten when estimating how many dots on a ladybird or choosing to estimate to the nearest thousand when estimating crowd sizes at a venue</li> <li>checking the reasonableness of an addition calculation by using two- and three-digit numbers to the nearest ten or hundred to estimate; for example, using 200 + 400 = 600 to estimate and check the solution to the calculation 219 + 385</li> </ul>
VC2M4N07

Choose and use estimation and rounding to check and explain the reasonableness of calculations, including the results of financial transactions <ul> <li>using proficiency with basic facts to estimate the result of a calculation and say what amounts the answer will be between; for example, 5 packets of biscuits at $2.60 each will cost between $10 and $15 as 5 × $2 = $10 and 5 × $3 = $15</li> <li>using rounded amounts to complete an estimated budget for a shopping trip or an excursion, explaining why overestimating the amounts is appropriate</li> <li>recognising the effect of rounding in addition and multiplication calculations; rounding both numbers up, both numbers down, and one number up and one number down, and explaining which is the best approximation and why</li> </ul>

teaching resource

Estimating Sums & Differences Interactive Picture Reveal

Updated: 20 Oct 2023

Send your students on an intergalactic maths adventure while practising how to estimate sums and differences of whole numbers.

Editable: PowerPoint, Google Slides
Pages: 1 Page
Years: 3 - 4

Send your students on an intergalactic maths adventure while practising how to estimate sums and differences of whole numbers.

What Is Estimation in Maths?

If your students are starting to dabble in the concept of estimation, they may need extra guidance and practise to truly understand this skill. While students have probably been exposed to the term when making an educated guess about the number of gumballs in a jar or figuring out how many marshmallows can fit in a container, estimation looks slightly different as they work through the year levels.

Students begin to learn how to estimate by means of rounding, compatible numbers and benchmark values. They also learn how to estimate with addition and subtraction problems and, eventually, multiplication and division problems. They still are making a thoughtful guess as to the answer, but it is important that their approximation is close to the actual answer.

Estimate the Sum & Estimate the Difference With an Interactive Game!

If you are looking for an engaging activity for your students to do in the classroom or at home, you have come to the right place! Teach Starter has created an interactive mystery game to help students refine their estimation skills.

To complete this game, students should open the slide show in ‘Presentation’ mode. Students will then be led through a series of questions where they must round to the nearest 10 or 100 to solve an addition or subtraction equation. If this student is correct, a piece of the mystery picture is revealed. If a student is incorrect, they will receive immediate feedback and be prompted to go back to the question and try again.

Easily Prepare This Estimation Game for Your Students

If you want to get your hands on this estimating sums and differences activity, head on over to the green download button. Here, you can download this resource’s PowerPoint or interactive Google Slides version. Please note that if you select the Google Slides option, you will first be prompted to make a copy of the resource to your personal drive before accessing it.

This resource was created by Cassandra Friesen, a Teach Starter Collaborator.

Extra Estimation Activities for Your Classroom!

Don’t stop there! We’ve got more activities and resources that cut down on lesson planning time:

teaching resource

Estimating Sums and Differences by Rounding and Compatible Numbers — Worksheet Set

Supercharge your students’ maths skills with our estimation worksheets! Download now to master the art of rounding and using compatible numbers for lightning-fast calculations.

teaching resource

Estimating Sums and Differences Interactive Activity

Download our interactive activity designed to sharpen your students’ understanding of estimating sums and differences with rounding and compatible numbers.

teaching resource

Estimating Sums and Differences Matching Activity and Extension Task

Guide your students to estimate addition and subtraction sentences by rounding and compatible numbers with this matching activity.

Curriculum

VC2M3N06

Estimate the quantity of objects in collections and make estimates when solving problems to determine the reasonableness of calculations <ul> <li>estimating how much space a grid paper representation of a large number such as 20 200 will take up on the wall and how much paper will be required</li> <li>estimating the number of people in a large gathering (for example, a school assembly) using known numbers (such as how many students per class)</li> <li>choosing which place value they would estimate to for different situations; for example, choosing to estimate to the nearest ten when estimating how many dots on a ladybird or choosing to estimate to the nearest thousand when estimating crowd sizes at a venue</li> <li>checking the reasonableness of an addition calculation by using two- and three-digit numbers to the nearest ten or hundred to estimate; for example, using 200 + 400 = 600 to estimate and check the solution to the calculation 219 + 385</li> </ul>
VC2M4N07

Choose and use estimation and rounding to check and explain the reasonableness of calculations, including the results of financial transactions <ul> <li>using proficiency with basic facts to estimate the result of a calculation and say what amounts the answer will be between; for example, 5 packets of biscuits at $2.60 each will cost between $10 and $15 as 5 × $2 = $10 and 5 × $3 = $15</li> <li>using rounded amounts to complete an estimated budget for a shopping trip or an excursion, explaining why overestimating the amounts is appropriate</li> <li>recognising the effect of rounding in addition and multiplication calculations; rounding both numbers up, both numbers down, and one number up and one number down, and explaining which is the best approximation and why</li> </ul>

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