Objective Students will use number sense and estimation such as taking a sample and using benchmarks to make reasonable estimates. Students will use computation skills to solve problems and estimation to check the reasonableness of the results. Overview of the Lesson Utilizing the thematic setting of Johnny Appleseed, students have many opportunities to practice their number sense, computation and estimation skills as they progress from merely guessing the number of apples in a bushel to making a reasonable estimate based on a point of reference or benchmark. Students use data from the Michigan Apple Growers to compute and analyze the total amount of apple yield per acre. They work at centers to gain experiences in visualizing the magnitude of one million apples.
Students also gain experience in using a grid as a resource to make better estimations.
This lesson was filmed in Michigan, an apple growing state. Thus, several bushels of apples were used. If you are unable to use a real bushel of apples to teach this lesson, simulate a bushel of apples by using different objects and containers. Please note that it takes approximately 100 apples to fill a bushel basket. Procedure Begin the lesson by reading Johnny Appleseed by Steven Kellogg to the students.