Module 6 Handling data
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Can I use the vocabulary of probability to predict outcomes and discuss and explain events?

Example review questions

  • Natasha spins a coin and writes down whether she gets ‘heads’ or ‘tails’. She is using a fair coin. She gets ‘tails’ four times in the first six spins and ‘heads’ twice. Natasha says: ‘Tails must be more likely than heads.’ Is Natasha right? Explain why.
  • Angelo throws two dice. He adds the numbers together to make a total. Here is a table that shows all the possible totals he might make. What is the most likely total? How would you describe the probability of making a total of 1? What can you say about the chances of scoring 5 and 9?
    A number grid to work out the possible totals from throwing two dice.
 

Teaching guidance

This teaching guidance document suggests some of the key vocabulary, models, images and practical equipment that children should experience and be able to use. It also includes some teaching tips to provide a few starting points for ways of supporting children with this area of mathematics.

PDF file Can I use the vocabulary of probability to predict outcomes and discuss and explain events? - teaching guidance | 30KB new window

Consolidation and practice

These resources are to support children in guided or independent work. Roll over the highlighted resources for a description.

PDF file How to use number spinners ITP | 139KB new window

SWF file Number spinners ITP | 38KB new window

PDF file How to use twenty cards ITP | 220KB new window

SWF file Twenty cards ITP | 52KB new window

PDF file Springboard 7, Unit 7, Section 1 How likely? | 916KB new window

Number spinners

itp_number_spinners.png

This interactive teaching program (ITP) is an ICT-based tool to support the exploration of number, reasoning and problem solving. Number spinners ITP allows the child or teacher to generate 3, 4, 5 or 6 random numbers on up to 3 spinners. Numbers from 0 to 99 can be displayed.

Twenty cards

itp_twenty_cards.png

This interactive teaching program (ITP) is an ICT-based tool to support the exploration of number, reasoning and problem solving. Twenty cards ITP allows the child or teacher to create a sequence or random set of numbered cards. The stacks created can support work on identifying, describing, extending and generating sequences.

Opportunities to use and apply

Possible contexts include:

  • discussing probabilities in other curricular areas, e.g. The use and effect of probability language found in texts (non-fiction or fiction).
  • encouraging children to find real examples of probability language in publications such as newspapers and magazines; discuss how accurately the language is used.
  • giving opportunities to devise games involving chance for a school event, e.g. summer fête; predict the probability of winning at a game, then play the game and compare and discuss the predictions and results. Consider how this might help you decide on any prizes to offer.

Confirming learning

Ask probing questions such as:

  • Make three statements about the probability of this spinner landing on different colours, using the language ‘more likely’, ‘less likely’, ‘possible’, ‘impossible’.
    A pentagon, or spinner, divided into five equal parts. The parts are labelled pink, blue, pink, blue, pink.
  • When we toss a coin, I will win a token if it lands on ‘heads’, you will win one if it lands on ‘tails’. Is this fair? Explain why.