Sampling is a method scientists use to estimate the size of a population. It works best when the population is spread fairly evenly. How well would it work in your yard or garden? Would sampling lead you to the right answer?

Objective:

• Learning to estimate based on a sample section
• Relating math skills to science

Directions:

• Divide your garden or a small part of your yard into equal sections.
• Count the number of flowers blooming in one section. Multiply that number by the number of equal sections.
• Write down your answer
• Count the number of flowers in 2 sections and again multiply (only by half of the number of sections).
• Write down your answer
• Count the number of actual flowers and see how well the sampling worked! Which number was closer?

Submitted by: Janet