Education Technology


Math TODAY: How Close is Florida

Activity Overview

In this activity, students are going to recreate and verify the information in the USA TODAY Snapshot "How close is Florida?" Students will determine the number of sheets of paper in a one-inch stack. Using this information, they will determine the thickness of one vote (sheet of paper) and conclude how close their calculations are to the graphic designer.

Before the Activity

See the attached Teacher Edition PDF file for notes and guidelines for this activity.

If you are using the TI-Navigator System with the TI-73 you will need the attached .pdf file.

During the Activity

Students will:

  • measure accurately.
  • convert units of measurement.
  • calculate accurately using extremely large numbers.
  • use their own data information to make estimates.
  • evaluate the accuracy of a graphic using their own estimates.
  • After the Activity

    Distribute the assessment questions or send the attached LearningCheck™ assessment to your class to gauge student understanding of the concepts presented in the activity.

    TI-73 Explorer user must use the assessment questions found in the Student handout. These assessment questions can also be used by other calculator users that does not have access to the LearningCheck application.