If you have read the book Counting on Frank by Rod Clement then you are aware already of how a vivid imagination can bring to life a wide array of mathematics related to estimation, number, space, measurement, and chance and data ideas. In this math mini spark you will explore the story and work through some challenge problems.

Spark your math thinking!

1. Set up your math mini spark recording page: #112: Fermi math warm up

2. Listen to this story. On your recording page make a list of the 5 examples that are presented in the story. Which of the facts presented in the story do you think would be the hardest to prove. Why?

3.  Look over these questions. For each one, make a list  of the information you would need to find out if you were to figure out the answer.

How many sheets of paper could be stacked from the floor to the ceiling?

How many bricks are on the exterior of a school building?

How many kernels of popcorn would it take to fill your classroom?

4.  Write 5 of your own challenge questions that require estimation to solve.

5. Share your math mini spark recording page with your teacher or EY coordinator.

The type of math you learned about in this mini spark is called Fermi math. Check out the FERMI math badges at the EY website.