Understanding Probability

This resource is a step by step lesson plan to introduce probability to students.  The students will learn what probability is, different ways to express probability and how to solve problems based on probabiliy.  This lesson will take two class periods to complete. This resource list a detail lesson on probability; however, teachers may adapt the lesson to meet his or her students needs.

Weblink address (URL): 
Understanding Probability

Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives: 

Objectives

Students will:

  • learn what probability is,
  • learn different ways to express probability numerically: as a ratio, a decimal, and a percentage
  • learn how to solve problems based on probability.

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level: 
Understanding
Differentiation suggestions: 

Adaptations:

Work on the Classroom Activity Sheet as a whole-class activity. Have students write their answers as a ratio only. Then challenge students to work on the Take-Home Activity Sheet in pairs. Go over their responses in class.

Extension suggestions: 

Extensions:

  • Probability in Advertising
  • Ask students to look at newspapers and magazines for examples of how numbers are used in advertisements. For example, it is not unusual to see something like "two-thirds less fat than the other leading brand" or "four out of five dentists recommend Brand T gum for their patients who chew gum." Why do advertisers use numbers like these? What information are they trying to convey? Do students think that the numbers give accurate information about a product? Why or why not?
  • They Said What?
  • Ask students to look at newspapers or magazines for examples of how politicians, educators, environmentalists, or others use data such as statistics and probability. Then have them analyze the use of the information. Why did the person use data? What points were effectively made? Were the data useful? Did the data strengthen the argument? Have students provide evidence to support their ideas.

Helpful Hints

Materials:

The class will need the following:

  • Understanding: Probability and Odds video
  • Copies of Classroom Activity Sheet: Probability Problem Solving
  • Computers with Internet access (optional but very helpful)
  • Reference materials such as almanacs and encyclopedias
  • Copies of Take-Home Activity Sheet: Spin the Wheel!

References

Contributors: 
Leslie Wolfe
Originator: 
Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation