Estimania
Introduction
Estimania – Where Math Meets Your Best Guess! 🔢🤔📏
Welcome to Estimania – a fast-paced, brain-boosting Science Olympiad event where students sharpen their number sense and learn the art of smart estimating! In this project, kids are challenged to make educated guesses on quantities, measurements, and comparisons using logic, math skills, and critical thinking. From estimating the weight of an elephant to the number of drops in a teaspoon, Estimania shows that you don’t always need an exact answer — just a smart, scientific guess!
About This Project
What Can Kids Learn from the “Estimania” Project?
🧠 Estimation Strategies: Learn how to break down big or unusual problems into smaller, solvable chunks.
📐 Measurement Sense: Practice estimating length, weight, time, area, volume, and number of items.
📊 Mathematical Reasoning: Apply logic and reference points to make accurate predictions.
🎯 Rounding & Approximating: Master how to quickly round numbers and work with large/small units.
📚 Fact-Based Thinking: Use real-world data (like size of coins or average height) to guide answers.
🏁 Quick Decision-Making: Train to think clearly and quickly under time pressure.
Why It’s a Math Marvel:
Kids love the mix of math, logic, and fun guessing games! Whether figuring out how many jellybeans fill a jar or estimating a tree’s height using shadows, Estimania encourages students to trust their reasoning and stretch their brains. It’s math with a twist — and a lot of excitement!
Think fast, guess smart — it’s time for Estimania!
Full Article
Video
Material List
- Unpacked eggs
- Handful straws
- Roll of tape
- Pair of Scissors
- Large Painter tarp
- Bin of balloons
Instructions
- Make a triangle out of a straw and tape it together.
- Repeat this two more times.
- Tape all 3 triangles together around the egg to make a pyramid shape.
- Decide how else to cushion the egg – for example: using more straws
- Spread the painter’s tarp on the floor.
- Hold your egg high above your head and drop it on the painter’s tarp.
- Did it work? If not try a different design.
- Be creative, test your own designs and materials (styrofoam, balloons, etc)
Question for thought:
Why is our device suitable for people to use all over the world? What are its advantages and what are its limitations?
