Teaching Tips: Estimating Distance and Travel Time

Here are some Frame, Focus and Follow-up suggestions for using this video in a math lesson.

What is Frame, Focus and Follow-up?

Frame: When you plan ahead sometimes you need to do some estimating. For example, have you ever had to plan for something like going shopping and had to think about how much money you should bring with you? How did you go about doing that? Did you use any math? What is the difference between guessing and estimating? Are they the same thing?

Focus: As you watch the video segment, think about how the CyberSquad decides which underwater vehicle to use. Watch to see how they estimate the time and distance involved.

Follow Up: Do you think the CyberSquad’s estimation is reasonable? Why or why not? What mathematical operations did they use to help them make their estimate? Why was it a good idea for the CyberSquad to estimate high? When does your family use estimation involving time and distance? Can you give an example?