Mathematics - Primary 6 - Approximation and Estimation

Term: 1^st Term

Week 9

Class: Primary 6
Age: 11 years
Subject: Mathematics
Date:
Duration: 40 minutes (5 periods)

Topic: Approximation and Estimation

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Round whole numbers to the nearest tens, hundreds, and thousands.
Round decimal numbers to the nearest whole number or tenth.
Solve real-life problems using approximation.
Solve quantitative reasoning questions related to estimation and approximation.

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES

Explanation and guided practice
Demonstration using number lines
Group work and discussions
Problem-solving and application
Interactive use of charts and visuals

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

Number charts and number lines
Flashcards with numbers (whole & decimal)
Worksheets with approximation exercises
Quantitative reasoning textbook/workbook
Whiteboard, markers, erasers

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURE

PERIOD 1 & 2: Rounding Whole Numbers

Step	Teacher’s Activity	Pupil’s Activity
Introduction	Introduces rounding as a way of estimating numbers. Gives real-life examples (e.g., money, distances).	Pupils listen, ask questions, and give similar examples.
Explanation	Explains how to round to the nearest tens, hundreds, and thousands using number line.	Pupils follow, take notes, and participate.
Demonstration	Writes examples on the board and uses number lines. E.g. Round 347 to nearest ten → 350.	Pupils answer questions and round similar numbers.
Note Taking	Pupils write down steps and rules.	Pupils copy and ask questions.

BOARD WORK (Note):

Rules for Rounding:

- Check the digit to the right of the place value.

- If it is 5 or more, round up. If less than 5, round down.

Examples:

- 47 → nearest ten = 50

- 582 → nearest hundred = 600

- 3,249 → nearest thousand = 3,000

Evaluation:

Round 358 to the nearest ten.
Round 2,480 to the nearest hundred.
Round 9,781 to the nearest thousand.

Classwork:

Pupils complete 10 rounding exercises (tens, hundreds, thousands).

Assignment:

Round 5 numbers from a newspaper or textbook to the nearest hundred and thousand.

PERIOD 3: Rounding Decimal Numbers

Step	Teacher’s Activity	Pupil’s Activity
Introduction	Introduces decimal rounding using real-life contexts (money, weight).	Pupils give real-life examples of decimals.
Explanation	Explains rounding decimals to nearest whole number or tenths.	Pupils take notes and ask questions.
Demonstration	Shows examples:

4.67 → nearest whole number = 5
3.45 → nearest tenth = 3.5 | Pupils try similar problems. | | Note Taking | Pupils copy board examples. | Pupils write notes and follow instructions. |

BOARD WORK (Note):

Rules for Rounding Decimals:

- Whole number: Look at the tenths digit.

- Tenth: Look at the hundredths digit.

Examples:

- 6.49 → nearest whole number = 6

- 7.56 → nearest tenth = 7.6

Evaluation:

Round 4.38, 5.75, and 6.24 to the nearest whole number.
Round 8.29 and 9.86 to the nearest tenth.

Classwork:

Complete a worksheet with 10 decimal rounding problems.

Assignment:

Write down 5 prices from a store (e.g. ₦4.67) and round to the nearest ₦1.

PERIOD 4 & 5: Application & Quantitative Reasoning

Step	Teacher’s Activity	Pupil’s Activity
Introduction	Recap rounding techniques. Discuss estimation in daily life.	Pupils review and give examples of estimating amounts.
Explanation	Solves real-life word problems using rounding (money, population).	Pupils solve sample questions in pairs.
Group Activity	Pupils solve quantitative reasoning questions in groups.	Pupils collaborate and present answers.
Evaluation	Class reviews correct answers and logic used.	Pupils make corrections and ask questions.

Evaluation:

Estimate total cost: ₦134.56 + ₦92.38 ≈ ?
Estimate: 3.89 × 2.05 using rounded numbers.

Classwork:

Solve 5 quantitative reasoning problems involving rounding and estimation.

Assignment:

Estimate the total of 5 items in your home or store using rounding.

Conclusion:

Teacher commends the class for participation and reminds them to practice rounding in everyday situations.