Beacon Lesson Plan Library

How Much Gift Wrap Do I Need?

Pam Kennon

Description

Students estimate measurements in a real world problem situation.

Standards

Florida Sunshine State Standards
MA.B.3.2.1
The student solves real-world problems involving estimates of measurements, including length, time, weight, temperature, money, perimeter, area, and volume.

Florida Process Standards
Numeric Problem Solvers
03 Florida students use numeric operations and concepts to describe, analyze, communicate, synthesize numeric data, and to identify and solve problems.

Critical and Creative Thinkers
04 Florida students use creative thinking skills to generate new ideas, make the best decision, recognize and solve problems through reasoning, interpret symbolic data, and develop efficient techniques for lifelong learning.

Resource Managers
06 Florida students will appropriately allocate time, money, materials, and other resources.

Materials

-cm cubes
-small boxes of various sizes
-wrapping paper
-rulers
-calculator

Preparations

Gather materials
Review perimeter formula

Procedures

1. Students work in groups to estimate the area of boxes in various sizes.

2. Record estimates.

3. Using cm cubes, find the area of the bottom and then the top by laying cm cubes side by side.

4. By placing the box on its side, students use cm cubes to find the area of the sides. Students could also cut off the top or bottom of the box and lay it flat to measure the cm cubes.

5. Repeat steps one through four to find the area of each box.

6. Teacher presents formula for area and discusses it with the class.

7. Compare estimates to actual measurement.

8. Students predict how much gift wrap is needed for wrapping four different sized boxes.

Assessments

Students estimate how much wrapping paper is needed to wrap a box. They check their accuracy with a calculator or paper and pencil. Teacher observes students correctly by using a calculator to figure the accuracy of their estimates.

Extensions

Students could also determine how much flooring or wallpaper is needed for their rooms.
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