Probability Statements

This activity comes from George Booker's book "Teaching Primary Mathematics"

In the early stages of our unit on probability, students were placed into mixed ability groups and given the following cards. Each card had a statement that could be made in reference to probability.

 

In groups, students had to place the cards on a probability scale in order from 100% chance to 0% chance. It was interesting to see their answers and how they interpreted the vocabulary on the cards. Especially "fat chance", as most students thought this meant a big chance. A great diagnostic tool as well. 

Probability Stations

A fun and exciting way to teach probability in maths. I ran a station activity with the students where they had to rotate and complete a sheet at each station using a different type of concrete material.

 Station #1: Conducting an experiment with a spinner.

Station #2:  Using a deck of cards to answer probability questions.

*Be sure to include an info sheet on cards i.e. 52 cards in a desk, 26 red cards (13 diamonds, 13 hearts), 26 black cards (13 spades, 13 clubs), each suit has the cards 1-10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace.

Station #3: Answering probability questions about a spinner with numbers and colours. 

Station #4:  Using marbles and dice to solve probability questions.