Homework for Wednesday, September 10

 Balloon Popping Dog

Due no later than the beginning of class on Thursday, September 11

Today we are making reasonable estimates, then thinking of three good questions that have the potential to make our estimates better. Students should not do any sort of research on this topic, but they CAN turn those research thoughts into their questions they ask!

Please note: students are NOT graded on the accuracy of their estimates, they are given credit (1 pt) for making reasonable estimates (low, high, and best) based only upon the picture on the worksheet. 

How can you help?

Estimates: What is an estimate? What makes an estimate reasonable? What makes an estimate unreasonable? Think high: "I am pretty sure this is too high, but it seems possible." Think low: "I am pretty sure this is the fastest any dog could pop all of those balloons ... and yet it's probably not quite possible." Then think of something between those two estimates that seems like your best guess. Go with that!

Please note: students are given credit (1 point per question) for questions that can lead to better estimates, not the answer. After they ask me the questions in class, they may opt to change their estimates accordingly! "IDK" will not receive credit. 

Questions: *Questions should be helpful, but not reveal the answer.

You must have questions! Give them ways to think about the kinds of questions they would ask if they could, not the ones you would ask. It's okay! We want them to start asking those good questions. Examples of things you can lead them with: If you were to research this, what would you look up? What do you like to know to improve your estimates? What would helpful information look like? What would you like to ask? Seek information that will help you guess more accurately, which may be about the dog, the balloons, the situation ... 

As you help your child with this homework, the very things they ask you are probably the very things they can ask as their questions! If they say, "But I don't know what ..." it probably leads right to a good question to ask. Tell them to write it down!

We will be sharing questions and answers in class, so make sure they are prepared. They will not be able to complete this assignment after the fact. ;-)