Probability Lesson Plan

Probability Activity

Feb 26, 2007 Debbie DeSpirt

Introductory lesson to familiarize students with the different words used to describe probability.

Subject: Grade 4 Math: Probability

Curriculum Expectations: Predict the frequency of an outcome.

Description of Task: Introduce students to the vocabulary list of probability.

Introduction: Ask students what is the definition of probability?

Probability: The chance or likelihood of an event occurring.

Guided Practice: Read a sentence to the students using one of the words from the probability vocabulary list. Do not underline the probability word. On the board write 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% and 0%. Give each group of students a blank paper and a marker. Ask them to choose one of the percentages to predict how often this event occurs.

E.g. I always wear my seatbelt when I drive my car. (100%)

Teacher will ask one student from all groups to hold up their card with one of the percentages printed on it. The teacher will ask the students if they agree or disagree by using thumbs up or thumbs down. The teacher will ask the students what was the clue that made them predict this event will occur 100% of the time. After the students have identified the word always, he/she will underline it. As well, the number 100% will be placed in brackets above the word always.

Independent Practice: The teacher will have the students do one example with their group and present it to the class. The teacher will give each group one of the words from the probability vocabulary list, with the percentage of it occurring in brackets. The students must write a sentence and underline the word that predicts the outcome. The group will ask if the class agrees or disagrees by using thumbs up or thumbs down. Each group will present and the teacher will ask questions if required.

Closure: Students will write a sentence for each of the 25 words and underline the word that predicts how often the event occurs.

Vocabulary List

always likely equally likely unlikely never

definite good chance equal chance poor chance no chance

certain probable possible improbable impossible

100% 75% 50% 25% 0%

4/4 ¾ 2/4 ¼ 0/4

The copyright of the article Probability Lesson Plan in Teacher Tips/Training is owned by Debbie DeSpirt. Permission to republish Probability Lesson Plan in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.