Estimating the Super Bowl

Estimation is an important life skill that is often overlooked in math classes. This lesson allows students to practice and use estimation strategies and apply them to questions about the Super Bowl (how many gallons of soda will be consumed, etc.). The students will analyze pictures of football stands to make these estimates. This would be a great lesson to use in January, as the Super Bowl approaches. Lessons could also be prepared using statistics of the two competing teams for graphing, comparing, and analyzing.

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards
CCSS.Math.Content.6.NS.A.1
Interpret and compute quotients of fractions, and solve word problems involving division of fractions by fractions, e.g., by using visual fraction...
CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.B.3
Solve multi-step real-life and mathematical problems posed with positive and negative rational numbers in any form (whole numbers, fractions, and...
CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A.2
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
CCSS.Math.Content.7.NS.A.3
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with rational numbers.1
CCSS.Math.Content.8.NS.A.1
Know that numbers that are not rational are called irrational. Understand informally that every number has a decimal expansion; for rational...
CLE 3001.1.2
Employ a variety of strategies and resources to determine the definition, pronunciation, etymology, spelling, and usage of words and phrases.
GLE 0606.2.1
Understand and explain the procedures for multiplication and division of fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals.
GLE 0606.2.2
Solve multi-step mathematical, contextual and verbal problems using fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals.
GLE 0606.2.4
Understand and convert between fraction, decimal, and percent forms of rational numbers.
GLE 0706.1.2
Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to problem solving, including estimation, and reasonableness of the solution.
GLE 0706.1.7
Recognize the historical development of mathematics, mathematics in context, and the connections between mathematics and the real world.
GLE 0706.1.8
Use technologies/manipulatives appropriately to develop understanding of mathematical algorithms, to facilitate problem solving, and to create accurate and...
GLE 0706.2.1
Extend understandings of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to integers.
GLE 0706.2.2
Understand and work with the properties of and operations on the system of rational numbers.
GLE 0806.2.1
Extend understanding of the real number system to include irrational numbers.
SPI 0606.2.1
Solve problems involving the multiplication and division of fractions.
SPI 0606.2.2
Solve problems involving the addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of mixed numbers.
SPI 0606.2.4
Solve multi-step arithmetic problems using fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals.
SPI 0706.2.3
Use rational numbers and roots of perfect squares/cubes to solve contextual problems.
SPI 0706.2.5
Solve contextual problems that involve operations with integers.
SPI 0806.2.2
Identify numbers and square roots as rational or irrational.
TSS.Math.6.NS.A.1
Interpret and compute quotients of fractions, and solve contextual problems involving division of fractions by fractions (e.g., using visual fraction models...
TSS.Math.7.EE.B.3
Solve multi-step real-world and mathematical problems posed with positive and negative rational numbers presented in any form (whole numbers, fractions, and...
TSS.Math.7.NS.A.2
Apply and extend previous understandings of multiplication and division and of fractions to multiply and divide rational numbers.
TSS.Math.7.NS.A.3
Solve real-world and mathematical problems involving the four operations with rational numbers. (Computations with rational numbers extend the rules for...
TSS.Math.8.NS.A.1
Know that numbers that are not rational are called irrational. Understand informally that every number has a decimal expansion; for rational numbers show...
 
Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.
 
Learning objectives: 

Students will:

  • Estimate large numbers.
  • Make written predictions from pictures and other limited information.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Applying
Extension suggestions: 
  • Students can identify variables (e.g., temperature at the stadium) that would affect the actual results.
  • Have students gather information after the football game is over to see how close their estimates are.
  • Have students make estimates of the number of souvenirs (i.e., pennants, sweatshirts, and hats) that will be purchased.

Helpful Hints

All the materials needed are provided.

References

Contributors: