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.

Weblink address (URL):

Standards & Objectives

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:

Ashley King

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation