Chance and probability

Adjustable Spinner
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?ID=79
Change the number of sectors and increase or decrease their size to create
any type of spinner. Then, conduct a probability experiment by spinning the spinner many times.

Random Drawing Tool
http://illuminations.nctm.org/ActivityDetail.aspx?id=67
This student interactive, from Illuminations, allows students to explore
the relationship between theoretical and experimental probabilities.

Coin Tossing
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_305_g_3_t_5.html
Use this online tool to explore probability.

Hamlet Happens
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_310_g_3_t_5.html
Verify that rare events happen by drawing letters from a box.

Stick or Switch?
http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/frames_asid_117_g_3_t_5.html
Investigate probabilities of sticking with a decision, or switching with
this online tool.

The Maths File Game Show
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/mathsfile/index.shtml
Interactive game that involves numbers, algebra, measurement and probability.

K-2

Fire
http://illuminations.nctm.org/tools/fire/Fire.aspx
This tool allows students to see the results of a fire if a forest is densely planted in a rectangular grid. Students are able to choose a starting place for the fire and enter the probability for which a tree
will burn.

3-4

What Are My Chances?
http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/WhatAreMyChances/default.htm#page1
Interactive activity that teaches you about probability.

Chances Are
http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/ChancesAre/default.htm
What chance is there of rain today?

Fish Tank
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/mathsfile/shockwave/games/fish.html
Guess probability of catching fish in the tank.

5-6

Lions and Tigers
http://www.beaconlearningcenter.com/WebLessons/LionsTigers/default.htm
Can you help me answer a few questions I have about probability?

Probability
http://jwilson.coe.uga.edu/EMT668/EMAT6680.Folders/Dickerson/probability/titled.html
Explanation of the basics of events, outcomes and the probability of two
dependent events.

Percent Chance
http://www.tv411.org/lessons/cfm/math.cfm?str=math&num=6&act=1
Find out what percent chance means.

Billiard Break
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=132
The question here is about the science of pool and billiards, but it
really opens up to a larger issue: the problem of replicating an event
when there are too many variables that can\'t be controlled.

Spinner
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/spinner3/index.html
Tool for teaching experimental and theoretical probability.

Probability 1
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/maths/handling_data/probability1_intro.shtml
This Revision Bite looks at using words and numbers to describe
probabilities.

Two or More Events
http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/asguru/maths/12methods/06probability/33twoormore/principles.shtml
Explanation of probability related to two or more events.

Percent and Probability
http://www.mathleague.com/help/percent/percent.htm#whatisanevent
This site explains about events and possible outcomes of an event.

Lessons

K-2

Uses of Numbers
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=U92
In the following lessons, students participate in activities in which they
focus on the uses of numbers. The activities involve data collection and
interpretation, and probability and statistics.

Amazing Attributes
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=U29
This unit plan uses a variety of materials including electronic examples
from the NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics and other
Internet resources. Students collect data using objects, pictures, and
symbols.

Counting Votes
http://pbskids.org/arthur/parentsteachers/activities/acts/counting_votes.html
Explore one-to-one counting and the concept of votes by making a survey of
favorite vegetables.

Us and Them
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L113
In this lesson, students collect data, generate bar graphs, and compare
two data sets. They also consider whether a given category is likely,
certain, or impossible in each of the data sets.

Orange Slices
http://mathforum.org/paths/fractions/orange.slices.html
Students investigate oranges to find out if oranges have the same number
of slices. They also investigate the fractional part of an orange.

3-4

Sticks and Stones
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L585
In this Illuminations lesson, students play \"Sticks and Stones,\" a game
based on the Apache game \"Throw Sticks,\" which was played at
multi-nation celebrations. Students collect data and investigate the
likelihood of various moves.

Spin Away
http://www.learnnc.org/lessons/GloriaWilson5232002937
Children work in groups using colour spinners to make predictions
regarding probability.

Rescue Mission Game
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L296
In this lesson, students play a game to learn about the four forces of
flight: lift, drag, thrust, and gravity. Before playing the game, students
conduct a probability experiment with spinners and record their results in
tally tables and bar graphs.

Marble Mania
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=389
In this lesson, by flipping coins and pulling marbles out of a bag,
students begin to develop a basic understanding of probabilities, how they
are determined.

Tootsie Pop Pull - Probability
http://www.instructorweb.com/linkgo.asp?L=167&B=math.asp
This lesson is an introduction to probability and the work of sampling
without replacement.

Finding Possibilities
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L320
In this lesson, the multiplication model Cross Products of Sets is
introduced. While not commonly presented as a model for multiplication, it
will prove useful to children when they solve probability problems in
which they must determine all possible outcomes.

Fair or Unfair-Introduction to Probability
http://www.learnnc.org/lessons/BonnieBoaz2112003902
This lesson introduces the idea of probability theory. Students will use
everyday experiences and intuitive understanding to gain an understanding
of probability.

Multiplying Meanings
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=U109
In this Unit Plan, students explore the many meanings of multiplication
(skip counting, repeated addition, sets, arrays, number lines, cross
products of sets, and balanced equations).

Exploring Probability
http://www.learnnc.org/lessons/JohnCleveland7242002279
Through teacher guidance, students will experiment with objects to
generate probable outcomes to consider probability.

Combinations
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=U75
This unit of two lessons, from Illuminations, focuses on combinations, a
subject related to the probability-and-statistics strand of mathematics.

Food Court
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=U149
Students conduct surveys and represent data in a variety of ways. They
also find and compare measures of center.

Survey of Hair and Eye Colors
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L230
In the following lesson, students participate in activities in which they
focus on the uses of numbers. The activities explore how students use
numbers in school and every day settings as a way for students and the
teacher to get to know each other at the beginning of the school year.

Pizza
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=U87
In this three-lesson unit, from Illuminations, students gather, represent,
and interpret data about pizza choices.

Competing Coasters
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L241
In this lesson, from Illuminations, students look at attributes that vary
from roller coaster to roller coaster, attributes that make each scream
machine uniquely thrilling.

A Tale of Two Stories
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=U102
The following activities are inspired by children\'s natural curiosity
about fantasy and fairy tales. Specifically, the investigations focus on
developing the process of classification, especially an awareness of
similarities and differences.

Uncertainty
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=107
In this investigation, students will analyze data collected by themselves
and other students.

5-6

Paper Pool
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=U165
Students will predict the pocket at which the ball will stop and how many
hits will occur.

Boxing Up
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L448
In this lesson, from Illuminations, students explore the relationship
between theoretical and experimental probabilities. They use an
interactive \"box model\" that allows them to simulate standard
probability experiments.

The Game of SKUNK: Choice and Chance in Life
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L248
In this lesson, from Illuminations, students practice decision-making
skills while playing a dice game called \"Skunk.\"

Spin, Toss, and Roll
http://www.learnnc.org/lessons/CarolBaldwin5232002883
Students will use hands-on experiments to find the probability that
certain events will occur.

Explorations with Chance
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L290
In this lesson, students analyze the fairness of certain games by
examining the probabilities of the outcomes.

Birthday Paradox
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L299
This lesson plan presents an activity which demonstrates the birthday
paradox, using it as a springboard into a unit on probability.

Monty's Dilemma: Should You Stick or Switch?
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L377
This lesson, from Illuminations, presents a version of a classic game-show
scenario. You pick one of three doors in hopes of winning the prize.

Grid and Percent It
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L249
In this lesson, students use a 10 × 10 grid as a model for solving various
types of percent problems.

Polygons
http://illuminations.nctm.org/LessonDetail.aspx?ID=L277
In this activity, students identify and classify polygons according to
various attributes. Extensions to fundamental ideas about probability and
statistics are also included.

Baseball Stats
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/lessons.cfm?DocID=108
In this lesson, students will use baseball data available on the Internet to develop an understanding of different ways in which data can be
analyzed.

Teacher Reference

Probability
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/maths/probability.htm
Ideas for teaching about probability.

By Request: Types of energy used when playing sport - e.g. potential,
heat, kinetic. Activities to apply knowledge of different forms of energy
for upper primary students

Energy Equation
http://www.bam.gov/sub_yourbody/yourbody_energyequation.html
Learn about the energy relationship between sleep, food and physical
activity.

Surfing Activity Card
http://www.bam.gov/sub_physicalactivity/activitycards_surfing.html
Meet a surfing expert and find out about surfing.

Energy: Potential and Kinetic
http://www.sciencemaster.com/jump/physical/energy.php
This article uses the example of a skier to explain potential and kinetic
energy.

Bundles of Energy: Muscular System
http://www.imcpl.org/kids/guides/health/muscularsystem.html
Information about the muscular system.