High School Grade  Project 6 weeks

"Decimal Dazzle: Estimation Extravaganza!"

Stefanie T
CCSS.Math.Content.HSN-Q.A.3
CCSS.Math.Content.HSN-Q.A.3
CCSS.Math.Practice.MP6
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

This project aims to deepen students' understanding of large numbers and their significance in real-world contexts, enabling them to make informed decisions through estimation and visualization. By engaging in hands-on simulations and collaborative projects, students will develop critical thinking skills and self-directed learning habits, fostering an academic mindset that connects mathematical concepts to global issues. Through interactive exhibitions and reflective discussions, students will explore the impact of millions, billions, and trillions on society, enhancing their ability to address complex problems in fields like economics, science, and technology.

Learning goals

Students will develop the ability to estimate and visualize large quantities, enhancing their decision-making skills in real-world contexts. They will critically analyze the impact of large numbers on global issues, such as population growth and climate change, and apply estimation strategies to solve complex problems across various fields. Through collaborative projects and self-directed learning, students will refine their academic mindset and problem-solving capabilities, fostering a deeper understanding of the scale and significance of millions, billions, and trillions.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSN-Q.A.3 - Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Content.HSN-Q.A.3 - Choose a level of accuracy appropriate to limitations on measurement when reporting quantities.
  • [Common Core] CCSS.Math.Practice.MP6 - Attend to precision.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will create multimedia presentations that explore the impact of large numbers on global issues, demonstrating their estimation skills. They will also design a simulation to plan a budget for a large-scale event, documenting their decision-making process in a written reflection. These projects will culminate in an 'Estimation Innovation Expo,' where students present their work through interactive simulations and receive feedback from local experts.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive "Scale of the Universe" digital exploration, where students navigate through a virtual tool to visualize the relative sizes of objects from the microscopic to the astronomical. Follow this with a group discussion on initial observations and insights about the magnitude of large numbers and their real-world implications. Encourage students to share personal experiences or stories that relate to understanding large quantities in everyday life, setting the stage for deeper exploration throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will participate in an 'Estimation Innovation Expo,' where they present their multimedia projects and real-world simulations to peers, educators, and invited local experts. They will demonstrate their estimation strategies through interactive exhibits, engaging the audience with hands-on activities that highlight the significance of large numbers in global issues. This event will include feedback sessions with experts in economics, science, and technology, allowing students to refine their understanding and showcase their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.