The Fermi Problem Chapter 2, Lesson 3

Fermi Problems (Questions) Problems named after the physicist Enrico Fermi that have quantitative answers. Such problems typically involve making rough approximations based upon assumptions about quantities and do not unique solutions. Initiate

Fermi Problems (Questions) Example: How many turkeys are eaten in the United States on Thanksgiving Day? Initiate

Fermi Problems (Questions) Example: How many water balloons does it take to fill our classroom? Initiate

Fermi Problems (Questions) Example: How many beans will fit into a one-liter bottle? Initiate

Fermi Problems (Questions) Important Information: 1-Liter = 1,000 mL or 1,000 cubic centimeters. How does this information help? Initiate

Fermi Problems in Groups How many paperclips fit on a large a poster board? How many students can fit into the gym? At you’re your school? How many boxes of cereal will fit into your classroom from floor to ceiling? Investigate Page 45 of math journal.

1. Explain how you solved the Fermi problem, “How many raisins will fit into a one-liter water bottle?” What questions did I ask to help me understand the question? How much space does a raisin take up? Did I check my calculations and are my estimates reasonable? Reflect on the question to understand what is being asked. Jot down your ideas under My Thoughts and Questions on pp. 47 of your journal. Mathematical Communication

1. What Fermi problem did you investigate? Explain the reasoning that went into your solution to your problem. What questions did I ask to help me understand the question? What models did I use to help me answer this question? Did I check my calculations and are my estimations reasonable? Reflect on the question to understand what is being asked. Jot down your ideas under My Thoughts and Questions on pp. 47 of your journal. Mathematical Communication