standard_description: Explain patterns in the number of zeros of the product when multiplying a number by powers of 10, and explain patterns in the placement of the decimal point when a decimal is multiplied or divided by a power of 10. Use whole-number exponents to denote powers of 10.
problem_activity: Narrative
The purpose of this Estimation Exploration is to recall the concept of area. Students need to think strategically because the one point of reference for the size of the grassy area in the image is the car and the road. In order to facilitate mental calculation, expect students to choose multiples of ten for the length and width of the rectangle.
Launch
Groups of 2
Display the image.
“What is an estimate that’s too high?” “Too low?” “About right?”
1 minute: quiet think time
Activity
“Discuss your thinking with your partner.”
1 minute: partner discussion
Record responses.
Student Facing
What is the area of one of the large rectangles in the garden?
[IMG]
Record an estimate that is:
|                    too low                     |                  about right                   |                    too high                    |
|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| \(\phantom{\hspace{2.5cm} \\ \hspace{2.5cm}}\) | \(\phantom{\hspace{2.5cm} \\ \hspace{2.5cm}}\) | \(\phantom{\hspace{2.5cm} \\ \hspace{2.5cm}}\) |
Student Response
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Activity Synthesis
“What did you use in the image to make an estimate for the area of the garden?” (The car and the person gave me an idea of how big it is.)


aligns: no