Number (estimation): Elephant Estimation
Challenge level ⭐⭐
(designed for children with prior knowledge of the Year 3 and Year 4 programme of study)
Learning Objective
We are learning how to solve a natural world problem by using and applying our skills and knowledge of number and estimation.
Useful prior knowledge:
- To understand decimal notation in the context of measurements
- To convert cm to m and vice versa using decimal notation e.g. 10 cm = 0.1 m
Credit: BBC Two - Thailand: Earth's Tropical Paradise
Clip Description
Although it is slightly smaller than its African cousin, the Asian elephant is the second largest land mammal by weight. Some scientists have estimated that there are fewer than 52,000 Asian elephants left in the wild. Due to habitat loss, poaching and conflict with humans, Asian elephants are now an endangered species.
In this fascinating clip, a herd of Asian elephants have accepted a lady called Lek into their herd. Lek looks after these forest giants at her elephant orphanage in Thailand. The special bond that exists between Lek and the elephants is clear to see. It is a bond based upon mutual trust and friendship. How will an elephant react when Lek crouches beneath it? Watch the clip to find out.
Quick Whiteboard Challenge
An elephant uses its trunk when meeting and greeting, drinking water, picking up or touching objects and trumpeting warnings. This remarkable body part has around 40,000 muscles in it! A human body has around 600 muscles in total.
How many humans would need to be in a room for there to be the same number of muscles as in an elephant’s trunk?