Number (estimation): Cheetah Spots
Challenge level ⭐
(designed for children with prior knowledge of the Year 3 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, estimation, multiplication and addition.
Useful prior knowledge:
- To count in multiples of 10, 20 and 100
- To indentify, represent and estimate numbers using different representations
Credit: BBC One - Serengeti II
Clip Description
A cheetah is the fastest land animal on the planet. It can reach a speed of over 112 kilometres per hour in under 3 seconds. That’s faster than a sports car can accelerate! In addition to its impressive speed, a cheetah is also known for its distinctive coat. It has pale yellow fur with black spots covering much of its body. The black lines that curve from the corner of each eye reflect the glare of the sun when it is hunting prey.
In this fascinating clip, a mother cheetah shows her four cubs how to stalk gazelle, despite the onset of heavy rain. Unfortunately, one of her cubs hasn’t quite grasped the idea of keeping its body low to the ground so that it remains hidden from sight. What will the gazelle do when they spot the cub? Watch the the clip to find out.
Quick Whiteboard Challenge
Sprinting at such a high speed uses a lot of energy. This means that a cheetah chase is usually limited to 200 – 300 metres, and lasts less than a minute.
How many multiples of 100 can you write down in a minute?